A Scientist Is Studying the Population Genetics of a Butterfly

question 16

Multiple Choice

A scientist is studying the population genetics of a butterfly population inhabiting a group of islands off the coast of California.The mainland population has the greatest allelic diversity.Island A has lower allelic diversity than the mainland,and island B has lower diversity than island A.All the alleles found on island B are also found on island A.The allelic diversity of island C is the same as the allelic diversity of island B,but half of the alleles on island C are not found on islands A and B.Which of the following scenarios best explains this pattern?

• A) All three islands were colonized from the mainland: A was colonized first,and B and C were colonized at the same time.
• B) Island A was colonized from the mainland first,then butterflies from A colonized B at the same time that C was colonized from the mainland.
• C) Islands A and C were colonized from the mainland at the same time,then butterflies from C colonized B.
• D) Island A was colonized from the mainland first,then C was colonized from the mainland,then butterflies from C colonized B.
• E) Islands B and C were colonized from the mainland at the same time,then butterflies from B colonized A.

---

Definitions:

Cognitive Abilities

The mental capabilities that involve the acquisition, processing, retention, and application of information, such as memory, reasoning, attention, and problem-solving.

Encoding

The process of translating sensory input into a form or format that can be stored and used by the memory system.

Metacognition

The consciousness and comprehension of an individual's own cognitive mechanisms, commonly described as "thinking about thinking."

Cognitive Abilities

Refers to the mental capabilities that involve the ability to reason, plan, solve problems, think abstractly, comprehend complex ideas, learn quickly, and learn from experience.