Dual Enrollment Biology Practice Test

Which statement best describes the implication of a violation of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

It indicates evolution is occurring. It indicates the population is at equilibrium. It has no effect on allele frequencies. It only affects phenotype frequencies.

Correct Answer:

It indicates evolution is occurring.

Explanation:

Violating Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium means evolutionary forces are acting in the population, causing allele frequencies to change across generations. When the balance that keeps allele frequencies constant is disrupted—by factors like natural selection, genetic drift, migration, mutation, or nonrandom mating—allele frequencies no longer stay the same, so evolution is occurring. This is why the most fitting implication is that evolution is taking place. It’s not indicating equilibrium, and the change involves allele frequencies (not only phenotypes) because phenotype frequencies depend on which alleles are present and how they’re inherited.

Access more questions from this quiz

Continue to Dual Enrollment Biology Practice Test for more practice questions and the full quiz experience.

Access More Questions