Lethal recessive mutations are not eliminated from a population because they can be "hidden" in symptom-free individuals also carrying dominant alleles.

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Lethal recessive mutations can be carried by individuals who do not show any symptoms of the genetic disorder but are carriers of the mutated gene. Since the dominant allele masks the effects of the recessive lethal allele, the carriers can transmit the lethal allele to their offspring without even knowing it. As a result, the lethal allele remains in the population and can resurface in the offspring of carriers when two carriers mate and pass on their recessive lethal allele.

Lethal Recessive Mutations Are Not Eliminated from a Population Because