Present a rationale for using DNA sequence polymorphisms as an index of genetic diversity. Is genetic diversity directly proportional to evolutionary (phylogenetic) diversity?

What will be an ideal response?


It is natural to expect that the forces that bring about speciation are dependent upon reproductive isolation. As groups of organisms become reproductively isolated (whether through development of geographic or genetic barriers), it is natural to expect that through the accumulation of mutations, DNA sequences will diverge. It is also natural to expect that some DNA sequences will diverge more rapidly than others and that some differences in DNA sequences may be more evolutionarily important than others. Therefore, whereas there may be a general relationship between genetic diversity and evolutionary (phylogenetic) diversity, it is likely that there are exceptions.

Biology & Microbiology

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Which of the following is not true of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)?

A. It is the causative agent of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). B. It targets the B cells of the immune system. C. It binds to the cell surface receptor CD4. D. It kills many of the cells it infects but can integrate into the host genome. E. It has the most error-prone of all reverse transcriptases, which results in a high mutation rate.

Biology & Microbiology

The inheritance of blood types in humans can be explained by

a) linked genes. b) simple dominance. c) multiple alleles. d) simple Mendelian genetics (one gene pair). e) polygenic inheritance.

Biology & Microbiology

__________ immunity specifically targets billions of different antigens.

Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).

Biology & Microbiology

A patient at a fertility clinic has been diagnosed with "luteal phase defect" (LPD). Her progesterone levels are low and her cycles are short. What step of reproduction are these symptoms disrupting?

A. Implantation B. Follicle development C. Fertilization of the egg D. Ovulation

Biology & Microbiology