Population Genetics and Hardy–Weinberg (1C)

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MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems › Population Genetics and Hardy–Weinberg (1C)

Questions 1 - 10
1

A captive breeding program maintains a large population of wolves. At an autosomal locus with alleles V and v, managers intentionally pair close relatives to preserve a rare pedigree line. After several generations, genotyping shows an increase in homozygotes relative to Hardy-Weinberg expectations computed from allele frequencies, while allele frequencies themselves have changed little. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium assumes: (i) random mating, (ii) no selection, (iii) no mutation, (iv) no migration, and (v) large population size.

Which factor most likely explains the deviation from expected genotype frequencies?

Genetic drift in a large population causing consistent excess of homozygotes each generation

High migration introducing new alleles, which increases homozygosity

Inbreeding (nonrandom mating) increasing homozygosity without necessarily changing allele frequencies immediately

Directional selection favoring heterozygotes, which increases homozygosity

Explanation

This question tests understanding of deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium due to inbreeding. The Hardy-Weinberg principle states that random mating, no selection, no mutation, no migration, and large size preserve genotype ratios. In this wolf program, pairing relatives increases homozygotes without major allele changes. Choice D correctly identifies inbreeding as the cause, violating random mating. Choice B is incorrect because favoring heterozygotes would decrease, not increase, homozygosity. A transferable check for Hardy-Weinberg assumptions is to calculate inbreeding coefficients; homozygote excess suggests nonrandom mating. Pedigree analysis can quantify inbreeding levels.

2

A large urban pigeon population is genotyped at an autosomal locus with alleles T and t. Researchers compute expected genotype frequencies from allele counts and find a consistent heterozygote deficit. Behavioral observations indicate that pigeons preferentially choose mates with similar plumage, and plumage is strongly associated with TT vs tt genotypes. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium assumes: (i) random mating, (ii) no selection, (iii) no mutation, (iv) no migration, and (v) large population size.

Which factor most likely explains the deviation from expected genotype frequencies?

No migration ensuring the population must be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium

Mutation that increases heterozygosity, thereby causing a heterozygote deficit

Genetic drift in a large population producing a stable heterozygote deficit

Nonrandom mating (assortative mating) increasing homozygosity relative to $2pq$

Explanation

This question tests understanding of deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium due to nonrandom mating. The Hardy-Weinberg principle states that random mating, no selection, no mutation, no migration, and large size maintain genotype expectations. In this pigeon population, preferential mating based on plumage linked to genotypes causes heterozygote deficit. Choice D correctly identifies assortative mating as the cause, violating the random mating assumption. Choice B is incorrect because drift in large populations is minimal and not consistent. A transferable check for Hardy-Weinberg assumptions is to assess mate choice; homozygote excess suggests assortative mating. Behavioral data can link mating to genotypes.

3

A large bird population is sampled at an autosomal locus with alleles Q and q. Genotype frequencies match Hardy-Weinberg expectations in year 1. In year 2, a nearby population with a different $p(Q)$ begins contributing migrants each breeding season; banding data confirm consistent immigration of breeding adults. No genotype-dependent survival differences are detected. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium assumes: (i) no migration, (ii) random mating, (iii) no selection, (iv) no mutation, and (v) large population size.

Which prediction is most consistent with Hardy-Weinberg reasoning after immigration begins?

Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium guarantees genotype frequencies remain unchanged even with migration

Genetic drift will dominate over migration in a large population, causing random fixation

Allele frequencies must remain constant because selection is absent

Allele frequencies in the focal population may shift toward those of the source population due to gene flow

Explanation

This question tests the ability to apply the Hardy-Weinberg principle to predict changes in allele frequencies when one of its assumptions is violated. The Hardy-Weinberg principle states that in a large, randomly mating population with no selection, mutation, or migration, allele and genotype frequencies remain constant across generations. In this scenario, the bird population initially meets Hardy-Weinberg expectations, but consistent immigration from a nearby population with different allele frequencies introduces gene flow, violating the no-migration assumption. The correct prediction, choice A, follows the principle because gene flow can alter allele frequencies in the focal population, shifting them toward those of the source population. A common distractor, choice D, fails by misconstruing that Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium persists despite migration, ignoring that migration prevents equilibrium by changing allele frequencies. To recognize Hardy-Weinberg assumptions in practice, check for evidence of gene flow, such as immigration data, which would invalidate predictions of constant frequencies. Additionally, confirm other assumptions like large population size and no selection are met to isolate the violating factor.

4

A small, isolated rodent colony is established in a laboratory enclosure with 10 breeding pairs. At a neutral autosomal locus with alleles K and k, technicians observe that allele frequencies differ substantially among replicate enclosures founded from the same source population, despite identical food and housing conditions and random mating within each enclosure. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium assumes: (i) very large population size, (ii) random mating, (iii) no selection, (iv) no mutation, and (v) no migration.

Which factor most likely explains the deviation from Hardy-Weinberg expectations across replicates?

Directional selection favoring K in all enclosures, producing identical allele-frequency trajectories

High gene flow among enclosures equalizing allele frequencies

Genetic drift due to small effective population size and sampling effects during reproduction

Random mating preventing any allele-frequency differences among enclosures

Explanation

This question tests understanding of deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium due to genetic drift in small populations. The Hardy-Weinberg principle states that in a very large, randomly mating population with no selection, mutation, or migration, allele frequencies remain stable. In this rodent colony, small founding sizes lead to differing allele frequencies across replicates despite identical conditions. Choice A correctly identifies genetic drift due to small size as the cause, violating the large population assumption. Choice B is incorrect because directional selection would produce consistent, not variable, trajectories across replicates. A transferable check for Hardy-Weinberg assumptions is to compare allele frequencies across replicate populations; high variance indicates drift. Small effective sizes amplify random sampling effects.

5

In a large mammal population, an autosomal recessive genotype nn causes a metabolic disorder that reduces reproductive success but does not affect juvenile survival. Newborn genotypes match Hardy-Weinberg expectations, but among breeding adults, nn is markedly underrepresented relative to $q^2$ computed from the newborn allele frequency q. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium assumes: (i) no selection, (ii) random mating, (iii) no mutation, (iv) no migration, and (v) large population size.

Which factor most likely explains the deviation observed among breeding adults?

Genetic drift producing consistent nn deficiency in a large population

Random mating increasing nn frequency above Hardy-Weinberg expectations

Selection against nn via reduced reproductive success, changing genotype representation among breeders

No mutation maintaining Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium regardless of reproductive differences

Explanation

This question tests understanding of deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium due to fecundity selection. The Hardy-Weinberg principle states that in a large, randomly mating population with no selection, mutation, or migration, genotype frequencies match allele-based expectations. In this mammal population, nn has reduced reproductive success, leading to underrepresentation in breeders. Choice D correctly identifies selection against nn as the cause, violating the no-selection assumption. Choice B is incorrect because random mating does not increase homozygote frequencies above q². A transferable check for Hardy-Weinberg assumptions is to compare frequencies across reproductive stages; deficits in breeders suggest fecundity selection. Linking traits to fitness can identify selective mechanisms.

6

In a bacterial chemostat experiment, a neutral marker locus has alleles G and g. The population is extremely large, and replicate chemostats are maintained under identical conditions. A low-rate mutagen is added, and sequencing confirms recurrent mutation from g to G at a detectable rate, with no evidence of back-mutation. No fitness differences among marker genotypes are detected. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium assumes: (i) no mutation, (ii) random mating (or random union of gametes), (iii) no selection, (iv) no migration, and (v) large population size.

Which condition would most disrupt Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in this system?

Large population size that minimizes sampling error

Absence of selection on the marker locus

Stable environment across replicate chemostats

Recurrent mutation introducing new G alleles each generation

Explanation

This question tests conditions that disrupt Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, specifically mutation. The Hardy-Weinberg principle states that in a large population with random union of gametes, no selection, no migration, and no mutation, allele and genotype frequencies remain stable. In this bacterial chemostat, recurrent mutation from g to G introduces new alleles, potentially shifting frequencies despite large size and no selection. Choice D correctly identifies recurrent mutation as the disrupting factor, violating the no-mutation assumption. Choice B is incorrect because large population size supports equilibrium by reducing drift, not disrupting it. A transferable check for Hardy-Weinberg assumptions is to sequence for new variants; unexpected allele introductions suggest mutation. Monitoring frequency changes without other forces can isolate mutational effects.

7

A large butterfly population is monitored at an autosomal locus with alleles Z and z. Researchers observe that Zz individuals have higher mating success because of a display trait, but larval survival does not differ among genotypes. Over time, the adult population shows an excess of heterozygotes relative to Hardy-Weinberg expectations computed from allele frequencies in larvae. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium assumes: (i) random mating, (ii) no selection (including sexual selection), (iii) no mutation, (iv) no migration, and (v) large population size.

Which factor most likely explains the deviation from expected genotype frequencies in adults?

No migration ensuring genotype frequencies cannot deviate from $p^2:2pq:q^2$

Genetic drift in a large population causing predictable heterozygote excess

Sexual selection increasing reproductive contribution of Zz individuals, altering genotype frequencies among adults

Random mating that directly increases heterozygote frequency above $2pq$

Explanation

This question tests understanding of deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium due to sexual selection. The Hardy-Weinberg principle states that random mating, no selection (including sexual), no mutation, no migration, and large size maintain equilibria. In this butterfly population, Zz higher mating success causes adult heterozygote excess. Choice D correctly identifies sexual selection as the cause, violating assumptions. Choice B is incorrect because drift in large populations is not predictable. A transferable check for Hardy-Weinberg assumptions is to evaluate reproductive success; heterozygote excess in adults suggests sexual selection. Comparing larval and adult frequencies reveals biases.

8

A desert annual plant shows two alleles at an autosomal locus, U and u. After several drought years, field researchers note that uu plants produce fewer seeds than Uu or UU, but germination rates among seeds are similar. Over time, allele u becomes less common among seedlings. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium assumes: (i) no selection, (ii) random mating, (iii) no mutation, (iv) no migration, and (v) large population size.

Which prediction about allele frequencies is most consistent with Hardy-Weinberg reasoning given the observed fitness differences?

Genetic drift will dominate in a large population, producing predictable directional change

Random mating will increase the frequency of u because it is recessive

If the fitness difference persists, $q(u)$ is expected to decrease across generations

Because germination is similar, allele frequencies must remain constant

Explanation

This question tests predictions about allele frequencies under selection in Hardy-Weinberg context. The Hardy-Weinberg principle states that no selection, random mating, no mutation, no migration, and large size keep allele frequencies constant. In this plant scenario, uu has lower seed production, leading to decreasing q(u). Choice A correctly predicts q(u) decrease if fitness differences persist, consistent with selection violation. Choice B is incorrect because similar germination does not prevent overall fitness effects on frequencies. A transferable check for Hardy-Weinberg assumptions is to measure fitness components; directional changes indicate selection. Tracking alleles over time reveals selection strength.

9

A laboratory maintains a large population of fruit flies at an autosomal locus with alleles D and d. Each generation, technicians introduce 2% new individuals from a separate stock in which $p(D)$ is substantially higher. No viability differences among genotypes are detected in controlled assays, and mating within the cage is random. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium assumes: (i) no migration (gene flow), (ii) random mating, (iii) no selection, (iv) no mutation, and (v) very large population size.

Which condition would most disrupt Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in this population?

Ongoing gene flow from an external stock with different allele frequencies

No detectable differences in survival among genotypes

Random mating within the cage population

Very large population size maintained each generation

Explanation

This question tests understanding of conditions that disrupt Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, specifically migration. The Hardy-Weinberg principle states that in a large, randomly mating population with no selection, mutation, or migration, allele and genotype frequencies remain constant. In this fruit fly laboratory setup, new individuals with higher p(D) are introduced each generation, potentially shifting allele frequencies despite random mating and no selection. Choice B correctly identifies ongoing gene flow from an external stock as the disrupting factor, violating the no-migration assumption. Choice A is incorrect because large population size actually supports equilibrium by minimizing drift, misconstruing size as a disruptor. A transferable check for Hardy-Weinberg assumptions is to assess external influences like migration by comparing allele frequencies before and after potential influx events. Consistent shifts aligned with source populations indicate gene flow disrupting equilibrium.

10

A wildlife biologist samples a large deer population at an autosomal locus with alleles H and h. The allele frequencies estimated from gamete-equivalent sampling are $p(H)=0.7$ and $q(h)=0.3$. The observed adult genotype frequencies match the expected $p^2:2pq:q^2$ within sampling error. Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium assumes: (i) random mating, (ii) no selection, (iii) no mutation, (iv) no migration, and (v) large population size.

Based on Hardy-Weinberg reasoning, which prediction is most consistent for the next generation if these assumptions continue to hold?

The h allele is expected to increase because it is rarer and thus favored

Heterozygotes are expected to disappear because alleles segregate during meiosis

Genotype frequencies must change each generation even if allele frequencies remain constant

Allele frequencies are expected to remain approximately $p=0.7$ and $q=0.3$

Explanation

This question tests predictions under Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium when assumptions hold. The Hardy-Weinberg principle states that in a large, randomly mating population with no selection, mutation, or migration, allele frequencies remain constant, and genotypes match p², 2pq, q². In this deer population, current genotypes match expectations, suggesting equilibrium. Choice A correctly predicts stable allele frequencies of p=0.7 and q=0.3 in the next generation if assumptions continue. Choice B is incorrect because heterozygotes persist via random mating, not disappear due to segregation, misconstruing meiotic effects. A transferable check for Hardy-Weinberg assumptions is to verify if observed genotypes fit expected ratios using allele frequencies. Stability over generations confirms equilibrium conditions.

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