Question

The tendency of population to remain in genetic equilibrium may be disturbed by

• A. Random mating
• B. Lack of migration
• C. Lack of mutations
• D. Lack of random mating

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

To understand how the genetic equilibrium in a population can be disturbed, we must explore the concept of genetic equilibrium, which is primarily described by the Hardy-Weinberg principle.

The Hardy-Weinberg principle states that genetic variation in a population will remain constant from one generation to the next in the absence of disturbing factors. Five key assumptions of the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium are:

• Random mating
• Large population size (no genetic drift)
• No migration (no gene flow)
• No mutations
• No natural selection

Given these assumptions, any deviation from them can potentially disturb the genetic equilibrium. Let us consider the options:

• Random mating: This is a condition required for genetic equilibrium. Thus, it does not disturb the balance.
• Lack of migration: When there is no migration, populations tend not to exchange genes with others, maintaining current genetic structures and thus not disturbing equilibrium.
• Lack of mutations: Mutations introduce new genetic variations. Therefore, a lack of mutations maintains equilibrium rather than disturbing it.
• Lack of random mating: If there is no random mating, individuals may have preferential mating, influencing allele frequencies. This deviation from random mating is a factor that can disturb genetic equilibrium.

Based on the above analysis, the correct answer is Lack \, of \, random \, mating, as it directly violates one of the genetic equilibrium conditions stipulated in the Hardy-Weinberg principle.