Scientists have examined the genetic history of a large group of cheetahs and have found that
there was a significant decrease in the genetic diversity of the cheetah species about 10,000 years
ago. Scientists found that, even in unrelated groups of cheetahs, individual cheetahs had 99% of
the same alleles. By comparison, in a genetically diverse population, even closely related
individuals contain only 80% of the same alleles. Genetic diversity is important to the survival of a
species, and scientists worry that a disease that cheetahs are not resistant to could decimate the
population.
Major histocompatibility complex (MC) genes are used by the body to identify self from non-self
and direct the immune system to attack non-self particles. Invading bacteria and viruses do not
contain the same MHC genes and therefore are attacked by the immune system. Within a
population, a high diversity of MHC genes protects the population from attack by disease. In a
highly diverse population, it is likely that at least some individuals will contain an allele that
identifies a new disease as non-self and can direct the immune system to destroy it.
In 1985, research by Stephen O'Brien reported that skin grafts from cheetahs in a zoo in Oregon
were accepted by cheetahs in Africa. Skin grafts, like other organ donations, must be between
Individuals that have the same MHC factors. If any of the genetic factors are different, then the
immune system of the individual receiving the organ will identify the organ as non-self and the
body will attack the donated organ as if it were a foreign organism such as a virus or bacterium.
The conclusion from
O'Brien's research was that cheetah MHC genes are as alike as those of identical twins.
More recent research by Simone Sommer took a much more comprehensive approach to
examining the genes of a large sample of wild cheetahs. Sommer's research determined how
many alleles are present on two different types of MHC genes in approximately 150 cheetahs.
Sommer was able to show that the variation in some MHC genes was higher than previously
thought. The variation in MHC genes in cheetahs is still smaller than that for other big cat species
but appears to be sufficient to allow the populations to identify a wide variety of foreign particles.
Sommer's research concludes that cheetahs have sufficient genetic diversity to respond to common diseases, but may still be at risk of new diseases. Which statement from the passage supports this conclusion?
- A. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes are used by the body to identify self from non-self...
- B. The variation in MHC genes in cheetahs is still smaller than that for other big cat species but appears to be sufficient...
- C. If any of the genetic factors are different, then the immune system of the individual...
- D. Sommer's research determined how many alleles are present on two different types of MHC genes...
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B directly supports Sommer's conclusion by highlighting that the variation in MHC genes among cheetahs, while less than in other big cats, is adequate for their immune response to common diseases. This indicates sufficient genetic diversity for disease management, aligning with the research's findings. Option A discusses the function of MHC genes but does not address their variation in cheetahs, making it less relevant. Option C mentions genetic factors affecting immune response but lacks specific information about cheetah genetic diversity. Option D focuses on the number of alleles without linking it to the implications for disease response, thus failing to support the conclusion effectively.
Option B directly supports Sommer's conclusion by highlighting that the variation in MHC genes among cheetahs, while less than in other big cats, is adequate for their immune response to common diseases. This indicates sufficient genetic diversity for disease management, aligning with the research's findings. Option A discusses the function of MHC genes but does not address their variation in cheetahs, making it less relevant. Option C mentions genetic factors affecting immune response but lacks specific information about cheetah genetic diversity. Option D focuses on the number of alleles without linking it to the implications for disease response, thus failing to support the conclusion effectively.
Other Related Questions
A scientist studying solubility increased the temperature of a constant volume of water and measured the amount of sugar that dissolved into solution... Which of the following describes the relationship between the independent and dependent variables?
- A. As the amount of dissolved sugar increased, the temperature of the water decreased.
- B. As the water temperature increased, the amount of dissolved sugar increased.
- C. As the amount of dissolved sugar increased, the amount of water remained constant.
- D. As the water temperature increased, the amount of water decreased.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B accurately describes the relationship between the independent variable (temperature of the water) and the dependent variable (amount of dissolved sugar). As temperature rises, solubility typically increases, allowing more sugar to dissolve. Option A incorrectly suggests an inverse relationship; higher temperatures do not cause the amount of dissolved sugar to decrease. Option C, while true, does not address the relationship between the two variables in question. Option D incorrectly implies that increasing temperature leads to a decrease in water volume, which is not relevant in this context.
Option B accurately describes the relationship between the independent variable (temperature of the water) and the dependent variable (amount of dissolved sugar). As temperature rises, solubility typically increases, allowing more sugar to dissolve. Option A incorrectly suggests an inverse relationship; higher temperatures do not cause the amount of dissolved sugar to decrease. Option C, while true, does not address the relationship between the two variables in question. Option D incorrectly implies that increasing temperature leads to a decrease in water volume, which is not relevant in this context.
Why is the conclusion about gene variation among cheetahs from Sommer's research more valid than the conclusion from O'Brien's research?
- A. Sommer's research was conducted more recently than O'Brien's
- B. Sommer's research used a different population of cheetahs than O'Brien's
- C. Sommer's conclusion is about disease response, while O'Brien's is about skin grafts.
- D. Sommer's conclusion is based on examining the genes, while O'Brien's conclusion is based on acceptance of a skin graft.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Sommer's conclusion is more valid as it directly examines gene variation, providing a clearer understanding of genetic factors influencing traits. This direct analysis allows for more reliable insights into gene functionality. In contrast, O'Brien's research focuses on skin graft acceptance, which, while informative, does not provide the same depth of genetic examination. Option A is incorrect as recency does not inherently validate research findings. Option B is misleading; differing populations may affect findings but do not necessarily validate one conclusion over another. Option C misrepresents the focus of the studies; both are relevant but differ in application rather than validity.
Sommer's conclusion is more valid as it directly examines gene variation, providing a clearer understanding of genetic factors influencing traits. This direct analysis allows for more reliable insights into gene functionality. In contrast, O'Brien's research focuses on skin graft acceptance, which, while informative, does not provide the same depth of genetic examination. Option A is incorrect as recency does not inherently validate research findings. Option B is misleading; differing populations may affect findings but do not necessarily validate one conclusion over another. Option C misrepresents the focus of the studies; both are relevant but differ in application rather than validity.
The chemical composition and energy density of four fuels are shown in the table. Ethane, which has a chemical composition of C2H6, is also a fuel. What is the predicted energy density of ethane?
- A. 45 MJ/kg
- B. 42 MJ/kg
- C. 52 MJ/kg
- D. 48 MJ/kg
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
To determine the predicted energy density of ethane (C2H6), one can analyze its molecular structure and compare it to the energy densities of similar hydrocarbons listed in the table. Ethane, being an alkane, typically has a higher energy density due to its saturated carbon-hydrogen bonds. Option A (45 MJ/kg) is lower than expected for alkanes of similar size. Option B (42 MJ/kg) underestimates the energy density, as it does not align with the general trend for hydrocarbons. Option D (48 MJ/kg) is closer but still below the typical range for ethane. Thus, option C (52 MJ/kg) aligns with the expected energy density for ethane, reflecting its molecular composition and energy potential.
To determine the predicted energy density of ethane (C2H6), one can analyze its molecular structure and compare it to the energy densities of similar hydrocarbons listed in the table. Ethane, being an alkane, typically has a higher energy density due to its saturated carbon-hydrogen bonds. Option A (45 MJ/kg) is lower than expected for alkanes of similar size. Option B (42 MJ/kg) underestimates the energy density, as it does not align with the general trend for hydrocarbons. Option D (48 MJ/kg) is closer but still below the typical range for ethane. Thus, option C (52 MJ/kg) aligns with the expected energy density for ethane, reflecting its molecular composition and energy potential.
What natural process is required to connect the ice core data to the Tunguska Event?
- A. the cycling of carbon in forest fires
- B. the interaction of comets with the solar wind
- C. the movement of glaciers due to gravity
- D. the constant mixing of the atmosphere
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Connecting ice core data to the Tunguska Event necessitates understanding atmospheric dynamics, which is achieved through the constant mixing of the atmosphere. This mixing disperses particles and gases, allowing researchers to correlate ice core samples with historical events, including the Tunguska explosion. Option A, the cycling of carbon in forest fires, is unrelated to the atmospheric conditions or the specific data derived from ice cores. Option B, the interaction of comets with the solar wind, pertains to space phenomena rather than terrestrial atmospheric processes. Option C, the movement of glaciers due to gravity, describes glacial dynamics but does not address the atmospheric mixing needed to link ice core data to the event.
Connecting ice core data to the Tunguska Event necessitates understanding atmospheric dynamics, which is achieved through the constant mixing of the atmosphere. This mixing disperses particles and gases, allowing researchers to correlate ice core samples with historical events, including the Tunguska explosion. Option A, the cycling of carbon in forest fires, is unrelated to the atmospheric conditions or the specific data derived from ice cores. Option B, the interaction of comets with the solar wind, pertains to space phenomena rather than terrestrial atmospheric processes. Option C, the movement of glaciers due to gravity, describes glacial dynamics but does not address the atmospheric mixing needed to link ice core data to the event.