Genetics: Analysis and Principles 4th Edition by Robert Brooker

Exercise 5

Pick any trait you like in any species of wild plant or animal. The trait must somehow vary among different members of the species (see Figure 1.7). Note: When picking a trait to answer this question, do not pick the trait of wing color in butterflies.
A. Discuss all of the background information that you already have (from personal observations) regarding this trait.
B. Propose a hypothesis that would explain the genetic variation within the species. For example, in the case of the butterflies, your hypothesis might be that the dark butterflies survive better in dark forests, and the light butterflies survive better in sunlit fields.
C. Describe the experimental steps you would follow to test your hypothesis.
D. Describe the possible data you might collect.
E. Interpret your data.
FIGURE 1.7 The relationship between genes and traits at the (a) molecular, (b) cellular, (c) organism, and (d) population levels.