What is it called when the allelic frequency of a population remains constant over generations?

What is it called when the allelic frequency of a population remains constant over generations?

• A. Genetic Drift
• B. Genetic Equilibrium
• C. Natural Selection
• D. Population Stability

Answer: (B)

The scenario described in the question refers to "Genetic Equilibrium." This concept, often associated with the Hardy-Weinberg principle, indicates that in a population where specific conditions are met—such as the absence of mutation, migration, natural selection, and a large population size—allelic frequencies will remain constant across generations. This state suggests that the population is not evolving; rather, the genetic composition remains stable, allowing for predictions about future generations based on current allelic frequencies. In contrast, genetic drift involves random changes in allele frequencies due to chance events, which often affect smaller populations. Natural selection is the process through which certain traits become more common because they confer a survival or reproductive advantage, leading to changes in allelic frequencies over time. While "Population Stability" may seem relevant, it does not specifically denote the frequency of alleles remaining constant and is not a formally defined term in population genetics like genetic equilibrium is.

The scenario described in the question refers to "Genetic Equilibrium." This concept, often associated with the Hardy-Weinberg principle, indicates that in a population where specific conditions are met—such as the absence of mutation, migration, natural selection, and a large population size—allelic frequencies will remain constant across generations. This state suggests that the population is not evolving; rather, the genetic composition remains stable, allowing for predictions about future generations based on current allelic frequencies.

In contrast, genetic drift involves random changes in allele frequencies due to chance events, which often affect smaller populations. Natural selection is the process through which certain traits become more common because they confer a survival or reproductive advantage, leading to changes in allelic frequencies over time. While "Population Stability" may seem relevant, it does not specifically denote the frequency of alleles remaining constant and is not a formally defined term in population genetics like genetic equilibrium is.