Six potential species of seaside sparrows were genetically analyzed to determine their phylogenetic relationships.DNA analysis revealed that there were only two monophyletic groups with individuals from three subspecies making up each group.The three Altantic coast subspecies formed one monophyletic group,while the three Gulf coast subspecies made up the other monophyletic group.If you could only save two subspecies of the seaside sparrows from extinction,would you choose two subspecies from the Atlantic coast,two from the Gulf coast,or one each from the Atlantic and Gulf coasts?
A)Save one each from the Atlantic and Gulf coasts to preserve more genetic diversity.
B)Save two subspecies from the Atlantic coast,as this coastline is longer and more likely to provide habitat for the birds.
C)Save two subspecies from the Gulf coast,as this area is much warmer and birds are more likely to survive.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Saving one subspecies from each coast will preserve more genetic diversity and maintain the two distinct monophyletic groups identified by the DNA analysis. Saving two subspecies from only one coast would result in loss of diversity within each monophyletic group, and may also disrupt the natural geographic distribution of the sparrows.

Six Potential Species of Seaside Sparrows Were Genetically Analyzed to Determine