Natural selection, operating on which of the following genetic changes, most likely resulted in the loss of ventral spines in modern freshwater sticklebacks?
A) duplication of the Pitx1 gene
B) deletion of the Pitx1 gene
C) point mutations in the Pitx1 gene
D) silencing of the Pitx1 gene

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Silencing of the Pitx1 gene is associated with the loss of ventral spines in modern freshwater sticklebacks. This genetic change does not remove the gene but alters its expression, leading to phenotypic changes such as the loss of spines, which can be advantageous in certain environments, thus being favored by natural selection.

Natural Selection, Operating on Which of the Following Genetic Changes