Chapter 26.3, Problem 22AQP

Summary Introduction

To propose:

An explanation for how the genetic differences would have evolved between the wasps that parasitized the two host races of Rhagoletis pomonella.

Introduction:

In the given scenario, host races of the apple maggot fly (Rhagoletis pomonella) are considered. There is a wasp Diachasma alloeum that parasitizes the apple maggot flies that lays eggs on the fly’s larvae. The wasps parasitized two host races of the apple maggot flies.

Summary Introduction

To determine:

How might the differences lead to speciation in the wasps.

Introduction:

It was researched and found that the wasps which parasitized the apple race of apple maggot fly were differentiated genetically from those of that which were parasitized by the hawthorn race. It is because of mutations that the few wasps fed on the hawthorn fruits instead of apple.