Page 84 - CB1.3 Genetic Varation sciPAD

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84 CB 1.3 GENETIC VARIATION
USING KNOWLEDGE OF GENETICS
End of Chapter Review Question
The New Zealand Black Robin, or Chatham Island Black Robin
(Petroica traversi), is native to the Chatham Islands of New
Zealand. Due to habitat destruction and predation by
introduced species, notably rats and cats, their numbers
decreased dramatically. By the late 1970s, the situation
became critical. In 1980, only five Black Robins were left, all
on Mangere Island. Of those, only one was a fertile female,
known as ‘Old Blue’.
The sharp decline in population led to limited genetic diversity,
making the species more susceptible to genetic disorders.
Conservation efforts, including captive breeding programs, have been
crucial in saving the species from near extinction.
One aspect of their biology that scientists have studied is the genetic basis of their eggshell
formation.
Mutations in the gene responsible for egg shell formation can lead to thinner or more fragile
eggshells, which can increase the risk of eggs breaking and reduce the chances of successful
hatching.
Studying the mutated gene and its effects on eggshell formation in black robins provides
valuable insights into their biology and helps conservationists make decisions to support their
survival.
Explain how mutations in the gene responsible for egg shell formation could be identified.
In your answer:
•
Describe what a mutation is.
•
Describe how mutations are passed from one generation to the next.
•
Describe one method for identifying a mutation.
•
Discuss why identifying individuals with the mutation is important in captive breeding
programs.





















Hints for answering
these questions
Describe a
mutation in terms
of the base
sequence of DNA.
Recall how traits
are inherited
from parents to
offspring. Name
the cellular
process involved in
transferring genetic
information
from parents to
offspring.
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