Many Traits of Organisms, Such as Body Form and Color

question 22

Multiple Choice

Many traits of organisms, such as body form and color, are controlled by specific proteins, in turn controlled by the DNA genetic sequence of nucleotides. The genetic control of color, as in aphids, does not usually shift during the life of an organism. Researchers found that some specific aphid populations shift from an original red coloration to a green coloration. Genetics could be a factor, if some programmed shift could be identified. Environmental conditions of the living and nonliving habitat could be a factor. Either way, the chemistry and observed changes of pigment molecules in the aphids can be studied with the scientific method.
-Researchers noted that only few aphids changed color to green from their original red.This is an unusual observation among any animals.What research question came out of the observations?

• A) Will green aphids change their color to red, or remain green as they age?
• B) Is the color shift of certain aphids due to genetics or some other factor?
• C) The color shift of certain aphids is due to genetics within the species.
• D) Do other aphids change colors as they age?

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Definitions:

Mediating Variable

A type of variable in statistical analysis that explains the relationship between two other variables, often indicating the mechanism through which an effect occurs.

Intervening Variable

An intervening variable is a hypothetical concept that explains the relationship between the independent (causal) and dependent (effect) variables in an experiment.

Political Affiliation

An individual's or group's association with a particular political party or ideology.

Political Orientation

Describes an individual's or group's predisposition towards certain political ideologies, parties, or policies.