You are studying a large flock of chickens and divide it into two halves. Each half contains the same genetic variations at the same frequencies as in the other half. To one half (the control group) you feed normal chicken chow, to the other half (the experimental group) you feed normal chicken chow supplemented with a nutritional booster. As expected, in the experimental group the hens lay an average number of eggs greater than those in the control group. Yet the heritability remains the same in both the experimental and control groups. You can explain this observation by hypothesizing that the variation in nutrition among hens is:
A)smaller in the experimental group.
B)larger in the experimental group.
C)the same in both groups.
D)smaller in the control group.
E)larger in the control group.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The heritability remains the same in both the experimental and control groups, indicating that there is no difference in genetic variation between the two groups. Therefore, the difference in egg-laying performance must be due to an environmental factor - in this case, the nutritional booster given to the experimental group. Since the genetic variations are the same in both groups, the variation in nutrition among hens must also be the same in both groups. Thus, choice C is the correct answer.

You Are Studying a Large Flock of Chickens and Divide