Ecologists have recently made an observation regarding a species of nematode (round worm) commonly found in Australian soils with two distinct phenotypes appearing, the mutant form appears to have increased cuticle formation. This species is a crucial part of their ecosystem’s food web and is a predator of many soil microbes. The divergent phenotype appears to negatively affect its predatory behaviour, which could have disastrous flow on effects to the rest of the ecosystem. Preliminary studies also indicate this phenotype has a genetic basis, so is not caused by infection. You have been tasked with uncovering the genetic basis of this phenotype. Q6. Given the phenotype leads to a negative impact on the nematode’s predatory behaviour, develop a hypothesis as to why this phenotype is increasing among the population (i.e. it is being positively selected for): Q7. Briefly describe an experiment you could use to test this hypothesis:
SCENARIO:
Ecologists have recently made an observation regarding a species of nematode (round worm) commonly found in Australian soils with two distinct
Q6. Given the phenotype leads to a negative impact on the nematode’s predatory behaviour, develop a hypothesis as to why this phenotype is increasing among the population (i.e. it is being positively selected for):
Q7. Briefly describe an experiment you could use to test this hypothesis:
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