Differences in mating patterns of montane and prairie voles (promiscuous and monogamous, respectively) can be attributed to expression of a specific hormone receptor in certain cells of the brain. If researchers inserted this receptor's gene (and regulatory regions) so it was expressed in appropriate cells of the montane vole, which of the following would MOST likely occur?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Inserting the gene for the monogamy receptor in the appropriate cells of the montane vole would allow them to receive hormone signals in the same way as prairie voles, leading to monogamous behavior. This is supported by research in which montane voles became monogamous when the gene for the monogamy receptor was inserted into their brains. Choice A is incorrect because the promiscuity gene would not necessarily override the effects of the inserted monogamy gene. Choice C is also incorrect because it implies that montane voles would have the ability to switch between monogamous and promiscuous behavior, which is not supported by current research. Choice D is incorrect because there is no evidence to suggest that the insertion of the monogamy gene would cancel out the promiscuity gene.

Differences in Mating Patterns of Montane and Prairie Voles (Promiscuous