What is the most likely explanation for a group of crocodiles having acquired lower incubation temperatures giving rise to male crocodiles?
A)Horizontal gene transfer from a related species has introduced changes in this group's genome
B)Horizontal gene transfer from a related species has introduced changes in this group's proteome
C)One or more mutations in the genome have been passed through the group by vertical descent
D)One or more mutations in the proteome have been passed through the group by vertical descent

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most likely explanation is that one or more mutations in the genome have been passed through the group by vertical descent. This would lead to a change in the temperature sensitivity of the sex determination process during embryonic development, resulting in more males being produced at lower incubation temperatures. Horizontal gene transfer is less likely since it would require the introduction of a whole new set of genes or proteins, rather than just one or a few key mutations.

What Is the Most Likely Explanation for a Group of Crocodiles