Hardy-Weinberg principle is applicable to

Options

A. Small population
B. Isolated population
C. Large population
D. All of these

Answer

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Hardy-Weinberg Principle**:
- The Hardy-Weinberg principle describes a theoretical state in which a population's genetic variation remains constant over generations. This state is known as genetic equilibrium.

2. **Conditions for Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium**:
- For a population to maintain Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, certain conditions must be met:
- No mutations: There should be no changes in the DNA sequence.
- Random mating: Individuals in the population must mate randomly without preference for genotype.
- Large population size: A large population size helps to minimize the effects of genetic drift.
- No immigration or emigration: There should be no movement of individuals into or out of the population, which could introduce new alleles or remove existing ones.
- No natural selection: All individuals must have equal chances of survival and reproduction.

3. **Allelic and Genotypic Frequencies**:
- The frequencies of alleles (p and q) in the population remain constant, represented by the equation p + q = 1.
- The genotypic frequencies can be represented by the equation p² + 2pq + q² = 1, where:
- p² = frequency of homozygous dominant individuals
- 2pq = frequency of heterozygous individuals
- q² = frequency of homozygous recessive individuals

4. **Conclusion**:
- The Hardy-Weinberg principle is applicable to populations that meet the above conditions, particularly emphasizing the importance of a large population size to prevent genetic drift and maintain genetic stability.