population of 600 scorpions was split into four populations when irrigation canals were built through their habitat. The four new populations were called the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western populations. Each new population consisted of about 150 individuals. The four populations continued to evolve, and no migration occurred among populations. One hundred generations later, each population still has about 150 individuals, and a biologist investi
case 1
A population of 600 scorpions was split into four populations when irrigation canals were built through their habitat. The four new populations were called the Northern, Southern, Eastern, and Western populations. Each new population consisted of about 150 individuals. The four populations continued to evolve, and no migration occurred among populations. One hundred generations later, each population still has about 150 individuals, and a biologist investigates them.
Scorpions have venomous stingers to help them hunt and kill prey. More potent (strong) venom helps scorpions subdue their prey, ultimately helping them to survive and reproduce. The potency of scorpion venom is measured by a "Lethal Dosage value" (LD50) High LD50 values were seen before the canals were built. However, after the populations were separated, the LD50 value dropped by 50% in the Eastern population.
Would the biologist agree or disagree with the following explanations for the decrease in the LD50 value of individuals in the Eastern population?
a) An increase in the proportion of scorpions with lower LD50 values in the Eastern population occurred because natural selection favored individuals with less potent venom.
b)Since there was no migration, the change in the Eastern population's LD50 can not be a result of genetic drift.
c)Not enough information is present to determine whether this Eastern scorpion population is a new species according to the Biological Species concept.
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