Environmental effects on phenotype Original Scenario-Based Practice

Questions

1. 1.

   Deep within an enchanted subterranean cavern, researchers discover that genetically identical clones of the bioluminescent silk-moth (Serica lucida) display striking physical differences depending on their nursery chamber. Clones raised in warm, mineral-rich chambers emit an emerald-green glow and develop compact wings, whereas their identical siblings reared in cool, mineral-depleted chambers produce a sapphire-blue glow with broad wings. Furthermore, when newly laid eggs from the emerald-green lineage are incubated in the cool chamber, they consistently develop into broad-winged, sapphire-blue adults. Which biological conclusion is best supported by these observations?

   • A) The distinct chamber conditions induce targeted genetic mutations that permanently alter the moth's inherited nucleotide sequences.
   • B) Independent assortment of alleles during clonal reproduction creates unique genetic combinations responsible for the alternative traits.
   • C) Environmental factors influence gene expression and development, producing phenotypic variations from the same underlying genotype.
   • D) Non-allelic gene suppression causes the permanent physical loss of structural genes when temperatures fluctuate.

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