NEET 2026
- Exam
- NEET
- Year
- 2026
- Subject
- Biology
- Chapter
- Chapter
NEET 2026 · Biology · Chapter
According to the Hardy-Weinberg principle, allele frequencies in a...
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?
Options
- AAbsence of natural selection
- BAssortative (non-random) mating
- CSmall population size
- DHigh rate of mutations
Correct answer
A. Absence of natural selection
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.
Option (D) is incorrect because the absence of mutations is required, not a high rate of mutations.
Answer: Absence of natural selection
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.
Option (D) is incorrect because the absence of mutations is required, not a high rate of mutations.
Answer: Absence of natural selection