Question

Designer Dogs
Designer Dogs
In artificial selection, humans breed plants and animals based on specific characteristics. This is different than natural selection where organisms in a population naturally adapt and change, leading to more diversity and variation. Two methods of artificial selection are selective breeding and genetic modification. Both methods were developed by humans to achieve desired traits in animals and plants.

All dogs have the grey wolf as a common ancestor. Over time, different breeds of dogs have developed unique characteristics. The diagram shows selective breeding and genetic modification of dogs.

The left side of the diagram is titled 'Method 1, Selective Breeding'. It shows two dog breeds and their offspring. Breed 1 is a brown dog with the following traits: small size, short coat, can be aggressive. Breed 2 is a yellow dog with the following traits: large size, longer coat, non-aggressive. The desired traits in their offspring are small size, medium length coat, and non-aggressive. The right side of the diagram is labeled 'Method 2, Genetic Modification'. It shows a donor dog, its eggs, a surrogate dog, and the desired offspring. The donor dog's traits are small size, dark brown, short coat, and sheds a lot. Eggs are taken from the donor and injected with foreign DNA. The eggs develop with the altered DNA. The eggs are implanted in a surrogate with traits of small size, white, short coat, and does not shed. The desired traits in the offspring are small size, light brown, short coat, and does not shed.

Multiple Choice Question
Read the sentences from the passage.

In artificial selection, humans breed plants and animals based on specific characteristics. This is different than natural selection where organisms in a population naturally adapt and change, leading to more diversity and variation.
Based on this information, what is a possible negative effect of using artificial selection?

A.
Undesirable traits become more common.

B.
Genetic diversity can be lost in a population.

C.
All genetic information is inherited from one parent.

D.
It takes longer to breed desired traits than it would in nature.

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

B. Genetic diversity can be lost in a population.

This option highlights a key concern with artificial selection, as breeding for specific traits can lead to a reduced gene pool and less genetic variation within the population.