What assumption is NOT part of the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium?

The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium describes a theoretical state in which allele and genotype frequencies in a population remain constant from generation to generation, provided several assumptions are met. One of these key assumptions is that the population must be sufficiently large to prevent random fluctuations in allele frequencies, which can occur in smaller populations (this corresponds to the assumption of a large population). Additionally, random mating is required so that each individual has an equal chance of pairing with any other individual, thereby ensuring that allele frequencies remain stable. The absence of natural selection is another critical assumption because if certain traits confer an advantage or disadvantage, it would lead to changes in allele frequencies over time.

High mutation rates, however, disrupt the genetic stability that Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium relies upon, as mutations introduce new alleles into the gene pool and alter allele frequencies. Therefore, the presence of high mutation rates contradicts the conditions necessary for maintaining Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, making it the correct answer to the question.