Hardy-Weinberg equation

Definition

The Hardy-Weinberg equation is a mathematical formula that describes the relationship between allele frequencies and genotype frequencies in a population. It states that in the absence of evolutionary forces, such as natural selection, genetic drift, migration, and mutation, the frequency of alleles will remain constant from one generation to the next.

Related terms

Allele frequency: The relative proportion of a particular allele in a population.

Genotype frequency: The proportion of individuals with a specific genotype in a population.

Evolutionary forces: Factors that can cause changes in allele frequencies within populations over time; includes natural selection, genetic drift, migration (gene flow), and mutation.