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In pigs, the number of teats and litter size are under genetic control - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 7 - 2009 - Paper 1
Question 7
In pigs, the number of teats and litter size are under genetic control. Each piglet must have ready access to a teat. British breeds of female pigs (called sows) ge... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In pigs, the number of teats and litter size are under genetic control - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 7 - 2009 - Paper 1
Step 1
Identify the breeding motives
Answer
The question revolves around the breeding experiments between British pigs and Chinese Meisham pigs. To find the most likely option, we should analyze the motives behind these breeding practices.
British pig breeds typically have fewer teats and piglets compared to the Meisham breed. This suggests that the aim of the crossbreeding was to improve litter size in terms of surviving piglets having access to teats for nursing.
Step 2
Evaluate each option
Answer
A. British farmers wanted to produce smaller-sized litters.
- This is unlikely as the objective would typically be to increase, not decrease, litter size.
B. Chinese farmers wanted to produce larger-sized litters.
- This could be true, but it doesn't directly relate to the hybrid produced with British pigs.
C. British sows were mated with Meisham males.
- This implies a direct mating and potential genetic mixing which has already been established by the crossbreeding mentioned.
D. Meisham sows were mated with British males.
- This option aligns directly with the context of crossbreeding to improve litter size and teat availability.
Considering the above evaluations, the most logical answer is D: Meisham sows were mated with British males.