4. You are managing two isolated populations of pine marten (a native mammal) in Maine. Each population has a neutral recessive mutation that codes for fluffier tails. Both start with the allele frequency at 50%. Over a 10-year period, the allele frequency in Population 1 increases from 50% to 65%. Over the same period what do you predict will happen in Population 2

The correct answer is:

Option D. We cannot predict what will happen

Mendel is the father of genetics, who researched pea plants. In the experiment, he demonstrated the ratio of pea plants with recessive traits to the pea plants with dominant traits.

In the given data, population 1 with the allele causing neutral recessive mutation resulted in the increase from 50 to 65% allele frequency.

In the given data, population 2, the allele causing neutral recessive mutation is not given. The mating pattern and environmental condition are also not given, therefore, it is not possible to predict the allele frequency in the given population.

Therefore, option D is correct.

To know more about allele frequency, refer to the following link:

link

Option D, we cannot predict what will happen

Explanation:

Complete Question

You are managing two isolated populations of pine marten ( a native mammal) in Maine. Each population has a neutral recessive mutation that codes for fluffier tails. Both start with the allele frequency at 50%. Over a 10 year period, the allele frequency in population 1 increases from 50% to 65%. Over the same period what do you predict will happen in Population 2?

A. the frequency of fluffier tails will increase

B. the frequency of fluffier tails will decrease

C. the frequency of fluffier tails will stay the same

D. we cannot predict what will happen

Solutions -

In the study conducted by Darwin on the pea plants, it was observed that the number of pea plant with recessive traits increased after certain generation of growth.  

Here in Population 1, the allele frequency of allele causing neutral recessive mutation has increased from 50% to 65%.  

In case of population 2, we are not aware of the current allele frequency of the allele causing neutral recessive mutation. Also we are not aware of the mating pattern, environmental conditions, and any other genetic condition with in the given set of individuals in population 2

Hence, nothing can be said about the population 2

Option D is correct