According to the Hardy-Weinberg principle, allele frequencies in a population are stable and remain constant from generation to generation. Which of the following conditions is essential to maintain this genetic equilibrium?

Step-by-step solution

The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium is maintained only when the following five conditions are met: 1. No mutations 2. Random mating 3. No gene flow (no migration) 4. Large population size 5. No natural selection Option (A) states the absence of natural selection, which is an essential condition for maintaining genetic equilibrium. Option (B) is incorrect because random mating is required, not assortative (non-random) mating. Option (C) is incorrect because a large population size is required to prevent genetic drift. Op