In a population of rabbits, f(C₁) = 0.70 and f(C₂) = 0.30. The alleles exhibit an incomplete dominance relationship in which C₁C₁ produces black rabbits, C₁C₂ produces tan-colored rabbits, and C₂C₂ produces rabbits with white fur. If the assumptions of the Hardy–Weinberg principle apply to the rabbit population, what are the expected frequencies of black, tan, and white rabbits?

Key Concepts

Hardy-Weinberg Principle

The Hardy-Weinberg principle provides a mathematical model for understanding genetic variation in a population at equilibrium. It states that allele and genotype frequencies will remain constant from generation to generation in the absence of evolutionary influences. This principle assumes no mutation, migration, selection, or genetic drift, allowing for the prediction of expected genotype frequencies based on allele frequencies.

Incomplete Dominance

Incomplete dominance is a genetic scenario where neither allele is completely dominant over the other, resulting in a phenotype that is a blend of the two. In the case of the rabbit population, the heterozygous genotype (C₁C₂) produces a distinct tan color, while the homozygous genotypes (C₁C₁ and C₂C₂) produce black and white rabbits, respectively. This concept is crucial for determining the phenotypic ratios in the population.

Genotype Frequencies

Genotype frequencies refer to the proportion of different genotypes in a population. In this scenario, the frequencies of the genotypes can be calculated using the allele frequencies and the Hardy-Weinberg equation: p² + 2pq + q² = 1, where p and q represent the frequencies of the two alleles. By applying this equation, one can determine the expected proportions of black, tan, and white rabbits based on the given allele frequencies.