Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks about the factors that can alter allele and genotype frequencies in a Mendelian population. This relates to the principles of population genetics, specifically the forces that cause a population to evolve and deviate from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The Hardy-Weinberg principle states that allele frequencies in a population will remain constant in the absence of certain evolutionary influences. These influences are the factors that cause changes in allele frequencies. Let's analyze the given factors:
A. Migration (Gene Flow): The movement of individuals into or out of a population can introduce new alleles or change the proportions of existing alleles, thus affecting the allele frequency.
B. Mutation: The ultimate source of all new genetic variation. Mutations create new alleles, directly changing the allele frequency, although usually at a very slow rate.
C. Selection (Natural Selection): When certain genotypes have a higher fitness (survival and reproductive success) than others, the alleles responsible for those genotypes will increase in frequency over generations.
D. Random shift (Genetic Drift): This refers to random, chance fluctuations in allele frequencies, which have a more significant effect in smaller populations. It's a non-selective force that can lead to the loss or fixation of alleles.
Step 3: Final Answer:
All four factors—Migration, Mutation, Selection, and Genetic Drift (Random shift)—are the primary evolutionary forces that can affect allele frequencies in a population.