91Ó°ÊÓ

Define and identify an example of population variation. a. Population variation is a description of the diversity of different forms of life. An example of population variation would be the different forms and functions of prokaryotes versus eukaryotes. b. Population variation is the geographic distribution of different phenotypes in a population. An example of population variation would be the fact that warm-blooded mammals that live near the poles tend to be larger than their southern counterparts to conserve heat. c. Population variation is the distribution of phenotypes in a population. An example of population variation would be the many different fur colors and patterns found in domestic dogs. d. Population variation is the distribution of genotypes in a population. An example of population variation would be Mendel’s pea plants that were homozygous dominant, heterozygous and homozygous recessive for various traits.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Population Variation

Population variation refers to the differences in characteristics seen within a specific population of organisms. These differences can arise in various forms, including physical traits and genetic makeup.

02

Evaluate Given Definitions

Review the definitions provided in options a, b, c, and d. Identify which ones align with the concept of population variation. Population variation is best defined as the distribution of different phenotypes or genotypes within a population.

03

Compare Example to Definition

Compare the example given in each option to the corresponding definition. Determine which combination correctly illustrates the idea of population variation. Note that population variation is about differences within one population, not between different forms of life.

04

Identify Correct Answer

Define the correct term with the correct example. The accurate definition of population variation, relating to the distribution of phenotypes, is in option (c). An example given is the various fur colors and patterns found in domestic dogs, accurately demonstrating differences within a single population.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Phenotypes

Phenotypes are the observable characteristics of an organism. These are the traits you can see, such as fur color, height, or leaf shape. Phenotypes result from the interaction of an organism's genetic makeup (genotype) with the environment.
For instance, you might have two dogs with the same genotype for fur color, but their fur could turn out differently depending on their diet, amount of sun exposure, or other environmental factors.
Some key points about phenotypes include:

• Phenotypes include physical traits like color, shape, and size, but also behaviors, like a bird's song.
• They can change throughout the life of an organism due to environmental influences.
• They are a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Understanding phenotypes helps scientists study how traits are passed from one generation to the next and how populations adapt to their environments.

Genotypes

A genotype is the genetic makeup of an organism. It refers to the specific alleles or genes that an organism has inherited from its parents. These genes are found in the DNA and determine the potential of an organism to develop certain traits.
For example, the color of a dog's fur is determined by its genotype. If a dog has the genotype for black fur, it will likely have black fur unless environmental factors alter this outcome.
Key points about genotypes include:

• They are highly specific and can be represented with letters, like TT or tt, where 'T' and 't' are different alleles.
• Genotypes are inherited from both parents, one set of genes from the mother and one from the father.
• They determine the potential and limitations of an organism's traits but do not guarantee the outcome, as environmental factors also play a role.

Understanding genotypes is essential for genetic studies, breeding, and understanding hereditary diseases and traits.

Domestic Dogs

Domestic dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) provide a perfect example of population variation. They exhibit a wide range of phenotypes, as seen in their varied fur colors, sizes, ear shapes, and behaviors.
These differences come from the vast genetic diversity and selective breeding for specific traits by humans over thousands of years.
Important aspects to note about domestic dogs include:

• They are a single species with vast phenotypic variation, making them an excellent study subject for geneticists and evolutionary biologists.
• Selective breeding has created distinct breeds with specific desired traits, such as the speed of Greyhounds or the herding ability of Border Collies.
• Despite their differences, all domestic dogs share a common ancestor with wolves and have similar basic genetic makeup.

Domestic dogs exemplify how human intervention, along with natural genetic variation, can lead to a broad spectrum of phenotypic outcomes within a single species.