The Same Gene That Causes Various Coat Patterns in Wild

question 25

Multiple Choice

The same gene that causes various coat patterns in wild and domesticated cats also causes the cross-eyed condition in these cats, the cross-eyed condition being slightly maladaptive. In a hypothetical environment, the coat pattern that is associated with crossed eyes is highly adaptive, with the result that both the coat pattern and the cross-eyed condition increase in a feline population over time. Which statement is supported by these observations?

• A) Evolution is progressive and tends toward a more perfect population.
• B) Phenotype is often the result of compromise.
• C) Natural selection reduces the frequency of maladaptive genes in populations over the course of time.
• D) Polygenic inheritance is generally maladaptive, and should become less common in future generations.
• E) In all environments, coat pattern is a more important survival factor than is eye-muscle tone.

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Definitions:

Least-squares Method

A statistical technique used to determine the line of best fit by minimizing the sum of the squares of the differences between observed and estimated values.

High-low Method

A technique used in cost accounting to determine the variable and fixed components of a cost by analyzing the highest and lowest levels of activity.

Variable Cost

Expenses that fluctuate in direct proportion to the amount of production or sales, including items like labor and materials.

Machine Hour

A measure of production time, where costs are attributed based on the number of hours a machine is operated.