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Rocket pocket mouse answer key8/7/2023 ![]() Because of these difficulties, the molecular basis for adaptation is known in only a handful of cases. Finally, many fitness-related traits are quantitative and are unlikely to have a simple genetic basis. Yet, after more than a half-century of study, the genes responsible for these color differences remain unknown ( 3). For example, one of the best known cases of adaptation involves color morphs of the peppered moth, Biston betularia. Second, phenotypic variation of ecological relevance has often been studied in species for which we have little genetic information, making the genetic basis of the traits difficult to analyze. First, it requires that we identify traits that are ecologically important and that we have some understanding of how these traits affect fitness in different environments. Finding the genes underlying adaptation has been difficult for a number of reasons. The survival and reproductive success of an individual is directly related to how their traits help them to function and survive in their environment.A key problem in evolutionary biology is to connect genotype with phenotype for fitness-related traits ( 1, 2). Mutations are random, but natural selection is not random. Is evolution a random process? Evolution is not a random process.Evolution repeats itself in different environments. Different mutations can cause the same phenotype (trait). Did the mice on each of the dark lava flows have the same mutation? No.Mutations that increase the chance of survival of an organism can become much more common in a population. ![]() A small advantage can lead to big changes in the population very quickly. How do you get a population of dark colored mice? In dark environments, the dark colored mice have an advantage they survive better and have more offspring.(Darker fur is favorable in the dark environment and harmful in the light.) Mutations are favored, rejected, or neutral depending upon an organism’s environment. How does a dark mouse appear in a population of light mice? Gene mutations cause the darker mice.The environment “selects” those individuals with the most favorable traits to survive and reproduce. What causes the overall differences in mouse fur color (big picture)? The differences in mouse fur color are caused by natural selection.The mice’s underbellies are white because there’s no selective pressure for it to be dark the predators come from above so it doesn’t matter what color the bellies are. Why do the pocket mice in the dark lava environment have dark fur on top and white underbellies? The d arker fur on the top of their bodies provides camouflage so predators won’t see them.Speciation : The evolution of a new species from an existing species.Īfter you define these terms, click HERE and watch the video clip about the rock pocket mouse.Adaptation: a trait or behavior in a species population that makes it better suited to its environment.Trait: a genetically determined characteristic passed on from parents to offspring (hair color, eye color, skin color).Evolution: Gradual c hanges in traits in a species population from one generation to the next and the evolution of different species from a common ancestor over many generations.Variation: Members of the same species population with different traits.A mutation could change the traits in the organism. Mutation: A gene mutation is a permanent change in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene.Natural selection: The process in nature by which organisms with traits that help them survive, reproduce more and pass on those traits to their offspring.Population: All of the individuals of the same species that live in a particular area.
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