Consider the following scenario: In a muddy lake environment, some fish have brown scales. Most fish, however, have silver scales. Predators have a harder time seeing fish with brown scales. Which term best describes the brown scales?
a
new mutation
b
predominant phenotype
c
inactivated gene
d
advantageous trait
d. advantageous trait
The term that best describes the brown scales in this scenario is d) advantageous trait.
The term that best describes the brown scales in this scenario is "advantageous trait."
To arrive at this answer, let's break down the options:
a) New mutation: This term refers to a genetic change or alteration that has occurred and resulted in a new trait or characteristic. However, the scenario does not provide any information about the brown scales being a result of a new mutation.
b) Predominant phenotype: Phenotype refers to the observable traits or characteristics of an organism. If the brown scales were the most common trait observed among the fish, then one could argue that it is the predominant phenotype. However, the scenario does not explicitly mention the frequency of brown versus silver scales among the fish, so we cannot conclude that it is the predominant phenotype.
c) Inactivated gene: This term refers to a gene that has lost its normal function and is no longer able to produce the desired trait or characteristic. The scenario again does not provide any information about the brown scales being related to an inactivated gene.
d) Advantageous trait: This term best describes the brown scales in the scenario. The scenario indicates that predators have a harder time seeing fish with brown scales, implying that this trait provides an advantage to the fish in avoiding predation.
Therefore, the best term to describe the brown scales in this scenario is "advantageous trait."