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Definition

noun

A principle stating that both allele and genotype frequencies in a randomly-mating population remain constant – and remain in this equilibrium across generations -- unless a disturbing influence is introduced.

Supplement

For instance, a population containing the genotypes AA, aa and Aa, the frequency of AA will always be p2, aa will be q2, and Aa will be 2pq at equilibrium, where the p is the frequency of A and q is the frequency of a.

Deviation from Hardy-Weinberg principle indicates evolution of species. Examples of disturbing influences include non-random mating, mutations, selection, limited population size, random genetic drift and gene flow.

Word origin: named after G. H. Hardy and Wilhelm Weinberg.

Abbreviation: HWE
Variants:

• Hardy-Weinberg principle (or HWP)
• Hardy-Weinberg law