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Question #45588
The Question
A large, isolated population of herbivores possesses a dominant allele (F) that confers an optimal foraging phenotype, significantly increasing net caloric intake and fecundity compared to the recessive allele (f). Which of the following statements is INCORRECT regarding the population genetics of this species?
Options
- A.
The population will deviate from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium because the optimal foraging trait acts as a selective pressure, causing differential reproductive success.
- B.
The expected Mendelian genotypic frequencies (p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1) will be maintained in the next generation provided the population continues to mate randomly.
- C.
The ecological pressure acts as an 'inhibitor' to genetic equilibrium by skewing the probability of gamete transmission in favor of the F allele.
- D.
Over successive generations, the operation of natural selection on this foraging phenotype will lead to a directional change in allele frequencies.
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Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Evolutionary_Exception
Tackle problems where standard rules evolve or change based on specific environmental constraints.
Concepts Behind This Question
Mendelian Gamete Frequency|Ecological Fitness (Darwinian Fitness)|Optimal Foraging Theory
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often over-associate Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium strictly with 'random mating', neglecting that the absence of natural selection is an equally mandatory condition.
The trap exploits the misconception that random meiotic segregation and random mating are sufficient to maintain genetic equilibrium, ignoring that differential fecundity (driven by optimal foraging) inherently skews the gametic contribution to the next generation's gene pool.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Principles of Inheritance and Variation - Class 12 |
| Concept | Mendelian Gamete Frequency |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |