Question
DNA is the genetic material that makes up living organisms. Genes are segments or chunks of DNA that code for specific proteins. Genes are located on chromosomes. Genes code for specific traits. When mutations (changes) occur in genes, it affects the production of specific proteins and the expression of specific traits. These mutations can be harmful, helpful, or neutral to the organism.
One common genetic trait in animals is coloring or patterning. Piebald is a genetic mutation that results in irregular coloring and patterning, like the deer pictured below. Piebald patterning is a recessive genetic mutation.
Based on the environment in the picture, this mutation would be considered ___________
a. beneficial
b. harmful
c. neutral
One common genetic trait in animals is coloring or patterning. Piebald is a genetic mutation that results in irregular coloring and patterning, like the deer pictured below. Piebald patterning is a recessive genetic mutation.
Based on the environment in the picture, this mutation would be considered ___________
a. beneficial
b. harmful
c. neutral
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The classification of the piebald mutation as beneficial, harmful, or neutral depends on the specific environmental context and the effects of the mutation on the organism's survival and reproduction.
In many environments, piebald coloring may be harmful because it can make an animal more visible to predators, thereby increasing its risk of being hunted. However, in certain environments where the piebald pattern provides some form of camouflage or other advantages (for example, in a heavily mottled substrate), it could be considered beneficial.
Without specific information about the environment depicted in the picture, a general answer would be that piebald patterning is often regarded as harmful due to increased visibility to predators in typical environments.
So, the best answer is:
**b. harmful**
In many environments, piebald coloring may be harmful because it can make an animal more visible to predators, thereby increasing its risk of being hunted. However, in certain environments where the piebald pattern provides some form of camouflage or other advantages (for example, in a heavily mottled substrate), it could be considered beneficial.
Without specific information about the environment depicted in the picture, a general answer would be that piebald patterning is often regarded as harmful due to increased visibility to predators in typical environments.
So, the best answer is:
**b. harmful**