The same gene that causes various coat patterns in wild and domesticated cats also causes a cross-eyed condition in these cats, the cross-eyed condition being slightly maladaptive. In a hypothetical environment, the coat pattern that is associated with crossed eyes is highly adaptive, with the result that both the coat pattern and the cross-eyed condition increase in a feline population over time. Which statement is supported by these observations?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This scenario illustrates that phenotype (coat pattern and eye-muscle tone) is often the result of compromise rather than being solely adaptive or maladaptive. The presence of the same gene causing both the coat pattern and the slightly maladaptive cross-eyed condition suggests that there is a trade-off between these two traits. In the hypothetical environment where the coat pattern associated with crossed eyes is highly adaptive, there is a conflict between the benefits and drawbacks of this gene. This situation supports the idea that phenotype is often the result of compromise.

The Same Gene That Causes Various Coat Patterns in Wild