Various species of birds from the genus Agaporis possess differing behaviors. These behaviors
differ in a way that can be used to infer how the species are related and how they have evolved
over time.
For example, the three lovebird species considered to be the most primitive all build simple nests
in preexisting cavities. The three middle species all build elaborate nests with tops, and one even
digs out a cavity for the nest. The four modern species build cuplike nests: These nests are more
complex than those built by the primitive species but less complex than those built by the middle
species.
William Dilger conducted an investigation to show that the nest-building behaviors of these birds
were genetic rather than learned behaviors. In his investigation, Dilger used two different species
of lovebird that readily mate with each other-Fischer's lovebird and the peach-faced lovebird.
Fischer's lovebird is a species of moder lovebird while the peach-faced lovebird is a slightly more
primitive species.
Fischer's lovebird carries small pieces of nesting material in its beak. The small size of the nesting
material is the reason for the simpler cuplike nests of Fischer's lovebird. The peach-faced lovebird
cuts long strips of nesting material, which is then tucked into the feathers on the back of the bird.
These long strips of nesting material will often fall out of the bird's feathers. However, the long
strips of material allow the peach-faced lovebird to build an elaborate nest.
The hybrid offspring of these two species has difficulty building nests. The hybrid offspring will cut
long strips of material like its peach-faced parent. However, the hybrid offspring will attempt to
carry the material in its beak and have difficulty flying. If it does attempt to place the material in
the feathers of its back, the material falls out because the bird does not properly secure the
material in its feathers.
Which hypothesis was Dilger testing in his experiment?
- A. If hybrid offspring have a mixture of behaviors, then the species are within the same genus.
- B. If a hybrid offspring carries nesting material in its beak, then it is more closely related to modern lovebirds.
- C. If behavior in lovebirds is genetic, then a hybrid offspring will display a mixture of behaviors.
- D. If lovebird species can interbreed, then a hybrid offspring will have a mixture of behaviors.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Dilger aimed to investigate the genetic basis of behavior in lovebirds, specifically focusing on whether hybrid offspring exhibit a blend of behaviors from their parent species. Option C accurately reflects this hypothesis, linking genetic inheritance to behavioral traits in hybrids. Option A incorrectly connects hybrid behavior to taxonomic classification, which is not the primary focus of Dilger’s study. Option B suggests a direct relationship between nesting material behavior and modern lovebirds, overlooking the broader genetic implications. Option D, while related to interbreeding, does not emphasize the genetic aspect of behavior, which is central to Dilger's hypothesis.
Dilger aimed to investigate the genetic basis of behavior in lovebirds, specifically focusing on whether hybrid offspring exhibit a blend of behaviors from their parent species. Option C accurately reflects this hypothesis, linking genetic inheritance to behavioral traits in hybrids. Option A incorrectly connects hybrid behavior to taxonomic classification, which is not the primary focus of Dilger’s study. Option B suggests a direct relationship between nesting material behavior and modern lovebirds, overlooking the broader genetic implications. Option D, while related to interbreeding, does not emphasize the genetic aspect of behavior, which is central to Dilger's hypothesis.
Other Related Questions
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.
Which instruction would be most appropriate for step 2 of the procedure?
- A. Provide both group A and group B participants with a daily magnesium supplement.
- B. Provide group A participants with a daily magnesium supplement and provide group B participants with a daily supplement that contains only inactive ingredients.
- C. Provide group A participants with a high-magnesium supplement and group B participants with a low-magnesium supplement...
- D. Provide both group A and group B participants with guidelines about which foods they should consume.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
Option B is the most appropriate instruction for step 2 as it establishes a clear experimental control. By giving group A a magnesium supplement and group B an inactive placebo, it allows for a direct comparison of the effects of magnesium on the participants. Option A is incorrect because it does not create a control group; both groups would receive magnesium, making it impossible to determine its specific effects. Option C is flawed as it introduces an additional variable by varying the magnesium levels between groups, complicating the results. Option D fails to provide a direct intervention, which is essential for assessing the impact of magnesium supplementation.
Option B is the most appropriate instruction for step 2 as it establishes a clear experimental control. By giving group A a magnesium supplement and group B an inactive placebo, it allows for a direct comparison of the effects of magnesium on the participants. Option A is incorrect because it does not create a control group; both groups would receive magnesium, making it impossible to determine its specific effects. Option C is flawed as it introduces an additional variable by varying the magnesium levels between groups, complicating the results. Option D fails to provide a direct intervention, which is essential for assessing the impact of magnesium supplementation.
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.
best explains the ammonia deposits found in ice core samples from the time of the Tunguska Event. The evidence that best supports the validity of this hypothesis is the-
- A. Hypothesis 2
- B. heat produced by fast-moving objects in the atmosphere
- C. Hypothesis 1
- D. match between measured and predicted amounts of ammonia
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A,D
The ammonia deposits found in ice core samples from the time of the Tunguska Event suggest a significant environmental impact. Hypothesis 2 (Option A) likely proposes a link between the event and the ammonia presence, making it relevant for explaining the deposits. Option B, which discusses heat from fast-moving objects, does not directly address ammonia production or accumulation. Hypothesis 1 (Option C) may not provide sufficient evidence or detail to support the ammonia findings. Option D highlights the alignment between measured and predicted ammonia levels, reinforcing the validity of Hypothesis 2 as it connects empirical data with theoretical expectations.
The ammonia deposits found in ice core samples from the time of the Tunguska Event suggest a significant environmental impact. Hypothesis 2 (Option A) likely proposes a link between the event and the ammonia presence, making it relevant for explaining the deposits. Option B, which discusses heat from fast-moving objects, does not directly address ammonia production or accumulation. Hypothesis 1 (Option C) may not provide sufficient evidence or detail to support the ammonia findings. Option D highlights the alignment between measured and predicted ammonia levels, reinforcing the validity of Hypothesis 2 as it connects empirical data with theoretical expectations.