The following questions) are based on information in Hopi E. Hoekstra, Kristen E. Drumm, and Michael W. Nachman, "Ecological Genetics of Adaptive Color Polymorphism in Pocket Mice: Geographic Variation in Selected and Neutral Genes," Evolution 586), 2004: 1329- 41.
Figure 22.1
-Refer to Figure 22.1. In their investigation of natural selection on Mc1r alleles the gene that determines coat colour) in Arizona pocket mice, Hoekstra et al. determined the frequency of the D and d alleles in each population. They also determined the frequency of alleles for two neutral mitochondrial DNA genes genes that do not affect and are not linked to coat colour). Why did the researchers include the mitochondrial DNA genes as part of their experimental design?
A) Allele change for the neutral mitochondrial genes serves as an experimental group and gives information on any general background genetic difference among these populations.
B) Allele change for the neutral mitochondrial genes serves as an experimental group and gives information on coat- colour differences among these populations.
C) Allele change for the neutral mitochondrial genes serves as a control and determines coat- colour differences among these populations.
D) Allele change for the neutral mitochondrial genes serves as a control and gives information on any general background genetic difference among these populations.
E) None of the above answers apply.

Question

The following questions) are based on information in Hopi E. Hoekstra, Kristen E. Drumm, and Michael W. Nachman, "Ecological Genetics of Adaptive Color Polymorphism in Pocket Mice: Geographic Variation in Selected and Neutral Genes," Evolution 586), 2004: 1329- 41.
  Figure 22.1
-Refer to Figure 22.1. In their investigation of natural selection on Mc1r alleles the gene that determines coat colour) in Arizona pocket mice, Hoekstra et al. determined the frequency of the D and d alleles in each population. They also determined the frequency of alleles for two neutral mitochondrial DNA genes genes that do not affect and are not linked to coat colour). Why did the researchers include the mitochondrial DNA genes as part of their experimental design?
A) Allele change for the neutral mitochondrial genes serves as an experimental group and gives information on any general background genetic difference among these populations. 
B) Allele change for the neutral mitochondrial genes serves as an experimental group and gives information on coat- colour differences among these populations. 
C) Allele change for the neutral mitochondrial genes serves as a control and determines coat- colour differences among these populations. 
D) Allele change for the neutral mitochondrial genes serves as a control and gives information on any general background genetic difference among these populations. 
E) None of the above answers apply.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The researchers included the mitochondrial DNA genes as a control to give information on any general background genetic difference among these populations, as they do not affect or are not linked to coat colour. This helps to ensure that any observed differences in Mc1r allele frequencies are due to natural selection and not just random genetic variation among populations.

The Following Questions) Are Based on Information in Hopi E