Which of the following statements best characterizes the Hardy-Weinberg Model?

Question

A. A theory that predicts how allele frequencies change over time, based on the idea that when the forces that affect them are balanced, allele frequencies are stable.
B. A methodology of using complex genetic arrays from modern organisms that enables evolutionary biologists to evaluate the completeness of the fossil record.
C. A central principle of evolutionary genetics that provides an analytical tool to estimate the effects of unusual environmental forces on populations, such as cosmic rays and mass extinctions.
D. An obscure model of theoretical biology that previously seemed to have little relevance to real-life situations but given advances in modern genetics is gaining wider acceptance.
E. A theory to predict how phenotypes change over time as a result of natural selection

Answer 1

The best answer is A

Answer 2

Yes, A is the best answer, of those presented, but
it isn't really satisfactory. The phrase, "when the
forces that affect them are balanced" doesn't really
mean much. The conditions required for the
Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium are: population of
infinite size, completely random mating, no mutation, no immigration or emigration into or out
of the population, and no natural selection. Since
this set of conditions is never fulfilled any agreement of real populations with the theoretical
can be only approximate. The equations are a
good method of discovering populations in which
something interesting is going on. If you find a
population which does not conform to the Hardy-
Weinberg prediction, by a significant amount,
you can look for the reason why.

Answer 3

A fits best.

Answer 4

yeah, it's A, but you migth want to brush up on your biology that was a pretty simple question...