Using the space provided compose an ESSAY concerning the following question or statement. The Hardy-Weinberg equations define the occurrence of evolution. Is the evolutionary event macroevolution or microevolution? What conditions must exist for Hardy-Weinberg to be functional, and why is each condition important? Solution Answer: 1. The Hardy-Weinberg equation can be used to determine the allele frequency in a population. Thus, it provides a useful tool to describe the degree of microevolution that is taking place over successive generations. Not all populations are undergoing microevolution at all times. In certain stable environments, many populations show no evidence for microevolution. (Although if the conditions change, then microevolution often commences.) The conditions for equilibrium are: 1. No new mutations are occurring. Therefore, no new alleles are being created. 2. There is no migration. In other words, no one is moving into or out of the population. 3. The population is very large. 4. Mating is at random in the population. This means that individuals do not choose mates based on genotype. 5. There is no natural selection. Thus, all members of the population have an equal chance of reproducing and passing their genes to the next generation. Importance of the conditions for Hardy Weinberg equilibrium: 1. Mutation: the gene pool is modified if mutations alter alleles or if entire genes are deleted or duplicated. 2. Non-random mating: if individuals mate preferentially within a subset of the population, such as their close relatives, random mixing of gametes does not occur, and genotype frequencies change. 3. Natural selection: Differences in the survival and reproductive success of individuals carrying different genotypes can alter allele frequencies. 4. Small population size: the smaller the population, the more likely it is that allele frequencies will fluctuate by chance from one generation to the next (genetic drift). 5. Gene flow: by moving alleles into or out of populations, gene flow can alter allele frequencies..

1. Using the space provided compose an ESSAY concerning the following question or statement.
The Hardy-Weinberg equations define the occurrence of evolution. Is the evolutionary event
macroevolution or microevolution? What conditions must exist for Hardy-Weinberg to be
functional, and why is each condition important?
Solution
Answer:
1. The Hardy-Weinberg equation can be used to determine the allele frequency in a population.
Thus, it provides a useful tool to describe the degree of microevolution that is taking place over
successive generations. Not all populations are undergoing microevolution at all times. In certain
stable environments, many populations show no evidence for microevolution. (Although if the
conditions change, then microevolution often commences.)
The conditions for equilibrium are:
1. No new mutations are occurring. Therefore, no new alleles are being created.
2. There is no migration. In other words, no one is moving into or out of the population.
3. The population is very large.
4. Mating is at random in the population. This means that individuals do not choose mates based
on genotype.
5. There is no natural selection. Thus, all members of the population have an equal chance of
reproducing and passing their genes to the next generation.
Importance of the conditions for Hardy Weinberg equilibrium:
1. Mutation: the gene pool is modified if mutations alter alleles or if entire genes are deleted or
duplicated.
2. Non-random mating: if individuals mate preferentially within a subset of the population, such
as their close relatives, random mixing of gametes does not occur, and genotype frequencies
change.
3. Natural selection: Differences in the survival and reproductive success of individuals carrying
different genotypes can alter allele frequencies.
4. Small population size: the smaller the population, the more likely it is that allele frequencies
will fluctuate by chance from one generation to the next (genetic drift).
5. Gene flow: by moving alleles into or out of populations, gene flow can alter allele frequencies.