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

Hint: Genetic equilibrium is the condition of an allele which is present in the gene pool where the frequency does not change from upcoming generations. It describes the theoretical state that determines whether and what ways the population may deviate from equilibrium.

Complete answer:
For the study of genetic equilibrium, a theoretical framework called Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium is used. This genetic equilibrium is studied using models that take as their assumptions those of Hardy-Weinberg, meaning no gene mutations occurring at that locus associated with the trait, a large population size, limited to no immigration, emigration or migration, no natural selection on that locus and random mating.
The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium can be disturbed by various factors which includes mutation, natural selection, non-random mating, gene flow, and genetic drift. Genetic equilibrium itself provides the groundwork for various applications, including population genetics, conservation and evolutionary biology. The other factor which affects the genetic equilibrium is if all genotypes reproduce equally well which will result in constant allele frequencies from generation to generation. Genetic equilibrium is an idealized situation which is commonly referred to as Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The various factors affecting the Hardy-Weinberg principles are mutation, genetic drift, natural selection, genetic recombination and gene flow. All these factors cause the change in gene frequency of a species in an area.

Hence, the correct option is D. Lack of random mating.

Note: Although a large population size is a required condition for genetic equilibrium according to Hardy-Weinberg, while some think that large population size can slow down the approach to genetic equilibrium.