Photo AI
The most likely reason for the population of flowering plants having more rr genotypes and white-flowered phenotypes after only three generations is A - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 23 - 2009 - Paper 1
Question 23
The most likely reason for the population of flowering plants having more rr genotypes and white-flowered phenotypes after only three generations is A. genetic drift... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The most likely reason for the population of flowering plants having more rr genotypes and white-flowered phenotypes after only three generations is A - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 23 - 2009 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify the mechanisms of evolution
Answer
To find the answer, we first need to understand the four primary mechanisms of evolution: genetic drift, natural selection, divergent evolution, and convergent evolution. Each mechanism describes a different way in which species evolve and adapt to their environments.
Step 2
Evaluate the options
Answer
-
Genetic Drift: This refers to random fluctuations in allele frequencies in a small population, which may not apply here since it’s not necessarily linked to phenotypic advantage.
-
Natural Selection: This is the process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. White-flowered phenotypes can be favored in certain environments, suggesting that this is a plausible explanation for the increase in rr genotypes.
-
Divergent Evolution: This occurs when two or more related species evolve different traits, which is not particularly relevant here as we are dealing with a single population.
-
Convergent Evolution: This refers to the process where different species develop similar traits, which again is not applicable in this case.
Step 3
Select the best answer
Answer
Considering the evaluations, the most fitting explanation for the increased prevalence of rr genotypes and white-flowered phenotypes is B. natural selection. This mechanism would explain how certain traits could be favored and become more common in a population over generations.