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.

---

Definitions:

Sales Mix

The composition of different products or services sold by a company, affecting overall sales volume and profitability.

Break-Even Point

is the level of production or sales at which total revenues equal total expenses, resulting in no profit or loss.

Degree Of Operating Leverage

A ratio that measures the sensitivity of a company's operating income to its sales volume, indicating how earnings are affected by sales changes.

Variable Expenses

Costs that change in proportion to the activity of a business, such as raw material costs, sales commissions, or delivery charges.