The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and linkage equilibrium models are both fundamental concepts in population genetics. Here’s a table highlighting the differences between them:
| Aspect | Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium | Linkage Equilibrium |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A model that describes the frequencies of alleles and genotypes in a population under specific conditions. It states that the allele and genotype frequencies will remain constant from generation to generation in the absence of evolutionary influences. | A state in which the frequencies of alleles at two or more loci are independent of each other. In other words, the occurrence of specific alleles at different loci is not correlated or associated. |
| Assumptions | 1. Large population size (no genetic drift) 2. No mutation 3. No migration/gene flow 4. No selection 5. Random mating | 1. Large population size 2. No mutation 3. No selection 4. Random mating 5. No recombination or the loci are unlinked |
| Mathematical Formula | p^2 + 2pq + q^2 = 1, where p and q are the frequencies of two alleles (A and a) at a single locus | D = P(AB) * P(ab) – P(Ab) * P(aB), where D is the linkage disequilibrium, and P(AB), P(ab), P(Ab), P(aB) are |