What does the Hardy-Weinberg principle predict?

The Hardy-Weinberg principle predicts the allele frequencies in a non-evolving population, providing a baseline to understand genetic variation and evolution within populations. According to the principle, allele and genotype frequencies in a large, randomly mating population will remain constant from generation to generation in the absence of evolutionary influences, such as natural selection, mutation, migration, and genetic drift. This serves as a crucial framework in population genetics, enabling scientists to determine whether or not evolutionary forces are acting on a population by comparing actual genetic data to the expected frequencies.

In contrast, the conditions for natural selection, the rate of mutation, and the distribution of phenotypes are not directly addressed by this principle. While these factors are important for understanding population dynamics and evolution, they fall outside the specific predictions made by the Hardy-Weinberg principle regarding genetic equilibrium. Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes the principle's role in predicting stable allele frequencies under idealized conditions.