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 is "advantageous trait."
The term that best describes the brown scales in this scenario is "advantageous trait".
To understand why, let's break down the options:
a) "New mutation" refers to a genetic change or alteration that is different from the original form. It doesn't specifically address the advantage of the brown scales.
b) "Predominant phenotype" refers to the observable characteristics or traits that are most commonly seen in a population. While the brown scales may be the most common trait in this specific muddy lake environment, it doesn't necessarily mean it's the most common trait overall.
c) "Inactivated gene" refers to a gene that is turned off or non-functional, typically resulting in the absence or reduced expression of a particular trait. This does not align with the scenario where the brown scales are specifically described as advantageous.
d) "Advantageous trait" refers to a trait that confers some sort of advantage or benefit to an organism, increasing its chances of survival or reproduction. In this case, the brown scales provide an advantage to fish in a muddy lake environment, making them harder to be seen by predators.
Therefore, the term "advantageous trait" best describes the brown scales in the given scenario.