Beak Shape Difference in Galapagos Finches Was One of the Earliest

question 18

Multiple Choice

Beak shape difference in Galapagos finches was one of the earliest observations supporting evolutionary theory. The recent identification of ALX1 as the likely gene responsible for these differences was the culmination of a research history that has drawn on several of the Great Ideas in biology. Match each Great Idea to the relevant evidence underlying the discovery of ALX1.
-Life as chemistry

• A) Development of beak shape as a consequence of localized gene expression
• B) Identification of candidate genes for influencing beak shape
• C) Changes in DNA sequence influence phenotype
• D) Observed differences in beak shape

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Definitions:

Exponentially Distributed

A statistical distribution used to model the time between events in a Poisson process, describing the time until some specific event occurs.

Probability

The assessment of the probability of an event happening.

Poisson Model

A statistical model used to predict the count of events that happen independently and with a known constant mean rate.

Exponential Distribution

A probability distribution used to model time until an event occurs, assuming events happen independently at a constant average rate.