If a population is at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, what does that imply about its allele frequencies?

Prepare for your Arizona State University (ASU) BIO345 Evolution Exam 1. Study with comprehensive resources, including flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

When a population is described as being in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, it indicates that the allele frequencies in that population are stable and remain consistent from one generation to the next. This condition arises under a specific set of idealized circumstances, which includes a large population size, random mating, no mutation, no migration, and no selection pressures acting on the traits being studied.

In essence, if allele frequencies are not changing, it signals that the processes normally affecting genetic variation, such as natural selection, genetic drift, gene flow, and mutation, are not occurring to any significant extent. Therefore, option B correctly reflects the nature of allele frequencies in a population at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, confirming the static state of genetic variation under the conditions specified.

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