1Q Selection against a gene is most effective when...
1. Gene frequency is low
2. The gene is hidden in heterozygotes
3. When the selection coefficient is large
4. When the gene frequency is high
5. None of the above
CORRECT! High selection coefficients are effective in selecting against a gene but as the gene frequency diminishes, they become less effective until they are no better than lower selection coefficient values. Yet their original value remains the same. In reviewing the Hardy-Weinberg data, it is apparent that the most effective selection against a recessive gene is when its frequency is relatively high. No matter at what frequency one starts at, selection effectiveness will be maximum early in the selection process.