Which of the following is NOT a factor affecting Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium states that allele frequencies in a population remain constant from generation to generation if certain conditions are met. The five key factors that disrupt Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium are: (i) Mutation – Introduces new alleles into the population. (ii) Genetic drift – Random changes in allele frequencies, especially in small populations. (iii) Gene flow (migration) – Movement of alleles between populations. (iv) Natural selection – Some alleles provide a survival or reproductive advantage. (v) Non-random mating – Preferential mating can alter allele frequencies. Random mating maintains Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium rather than disrupting it. It ensures that allele frequencies remain stable and that no preference exists in mating patterns. (1) Genetic recombination – It reshuffles alleles during meiosis, introducing genetic diversity and potentially altering allele frequencies. (2) Natural selection – Selects for favorable traits, causing certain alleles to become more or less common. (4) Mutation – Creates new alleles, directly altering allele frequencies in the gene pool.