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Which of the following is NOT a condition required for a population to be in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium?

easy MCQ 1 mark Class 12 · Biology · Organisms and Populations
  1. Random mating among individuals
  2. Absence of natural selection
  3. Large (effectively infinite) population size
  4. High mutation rate
Answer
High mutation rate

The correct answer is High mutation rate — Select the option that does NOT satisfy a required condition.

Step-by-step solution

  1. List the five conditions for Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium: (1) random mating, (2) no mutation, (3) no migration, (4) no natural selection, and (5) infinitely large population.
  2. Compare each option with the listed conditions.
  3. Option (A) "Random mating" matches condition 1, so it is required.
  4. Option (B) "Absence of natural selection" matches condition 4, so it is required.
  5. Option (C) "Large (effectively infinite) population size" matches condition 5, so it is required.
  6. Option (D) "High mutation rate" contradicts condition 2 (no mutation). Therefore it is NOT required.
  7. Select the option that does NOT satisfy a required condition.
Common mistake: Choosing "absence of natural selection" as the wrong option, confusing it with mutation.

Concept tested: Hardy–Weinberg conditions

Published · How this solution was prepared and checked

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