AP Biology Flashcards: Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: July 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
What is the general condition under which allele and genotype frequencies will change in a population?
Frequencies will change when the conditions for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, such as random mating or no mutation, are violated.
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What is the general condition under which allele and genotype frequencies will change in a population?
Frequencies will change when the conditions for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, such as random mating or no mutation, are violated.
Under what circumstances can the Hardy-Weinberg equations be used to calculate allele frequencies?
The equations can be used to calculate allele frequencies from genotype frequencies specifically in a non-evolving population.
How does the 'no natural selection' condition contribute to maintaining equilibrium?
No natural selection ensures that all genotypes have equal survival and reproductive rates, preventing any particular allele from being favored and changing in frequency.
What happens to allele frequencies in a population that meets the Hardy-Weinberg conditions?
In a non-evolving population that meets the conditions, allele frequencies will remain constant from generation to generation.
What is the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?
It is a model that describes allele and genotype frequencies in a population that is not evolving.
List the five conditions required for a population to be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.
The five conditions are: large population size, no migration, no mutation, random mating, and no natural selection.
What does it signify if a population's allele frequencies are changing over time?
It signifies that the population is evolving because one or more of the Hardy-Weinberg conditions are not being met.
Define a 'non-evolving population' in the context of the Hardy-Weinberg model.
A non-evolving population is one in which allele and genotype frequencies remain constant because the conditions for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium are met.
If a small group of birds colonizes a new island, why would their population likely not be in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium initially?
The population would violate the 'large population size' condition, making it susceptible to changes in allele frequencies due to random chance (genetic drift).
Why is 'no migration' a necessary condition for Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?
Migration (gene flow) can introduce or remove alleles, which would directly cause a change in the population's allele frequencies.