Lesson eLearning

In a population of 5000 individuals, the allele frequency of the dominant allele A is 0.7 and that of recessive allele a is 0.3. Under Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, how many individuals are expected to be heterozygous (Aa)?

hard 4 marks Class 12 · Biology · Principles of Inheritance and Variation
Answer
2100 individuals

The correct answer is 2100 individuals — Multiply by total population: "0.42 * 5000 = 2100" individuals are expected to be heterozygous.

Step-by-step solution

  1. Apply Hardy–Weinberg law: "frequency of heterozygotes = 2pq".
  2. Compute "2pq = 2 * 0.7 * 0.3 = 0.42".
  3. Multiply by total population: "0.42 * 5000 = 2100" individuals are expected to be heterozygous.
Common mistake: Using only p² or q² for heterozygotes

Concept tested: Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium

Published · How this solution was prepared and checked

← All Principles of Inheritance and Variation questions