Question

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION Skin color in humans is an example of an evolutionary trade-off: a situation where a trait that is an advantage in one context is a disadvantage in a different context. Darker skin protects DNA from damage due to ultraviolet radiation (an advantage) but makes it harder for the body to produce vitamin D (a disadvantage). Based on what you’ve learned, which of the following describe other examples of evolutionary trade-offs? Select all that apply. Some genetic variations that protect humans from malaria, a disease transmitted by mosquitoes, also cause the blood disease thalassemia. The common Mormon butterfly is not toxic to birds and other predators. Some common Mormons have genetic variations that make them resemble toxic butterflies, which deters predators. In places without predators, common Mormons with these variations don't live as long as other common Mormons. Alleles that caused the loss of body hair allowed humans to lose heat more easily in hot environments. This in turn helped humans walk and run for longer distances to hunt large animals. Some garter snakes have mutations that make them resistant to a toxin found in their prey, rough-skinned newts. Snakes with these mutations move more slowly and may not be as good at hunting or avoiding predators.

Answer 1

Evolutionary trade-offs highlight the benefits and costs of certain traits. Examples include genetic variations offering malaria resistance but causing thalassemia, the common Mormon butterfly's mimicry reducing lifespan in predator-free zones, the thermal advantage yet cold vulnerability in less hairy humans, and garter snakes with toxin resistance moving slower and being at risk from other predators.

Step-by-step explanation:

Skin color in humans is an example of an evolutionary trade-off, where certain traits can be advantageous in one context yet lead to disadvantages in another. Answering the multiple-choice question regarding other examples of evolutionary trade-offs, we can acknowledge:

• Some genetic variations that protect humans from malaria also cause the blood disease thalassemia. These variations can provide resistance to malaria, a significant advantage in malaria-endemic regions, while also increasing the risk for thalassemia, representing the trade-off.
• The common Mormon butterfly's resemblance to toxic butterflies can deter predators, which is beneficial where predators are present. However, in safer environments without predators, this costly mimicry can reduce the butterfly's lifespan, indicating a trade-off between defense mechanisms and energy consumption.
• Alleles causing the loss of body hair in humans allowed better heat dissipation in hot climates, facilitating hunting activities. However, this adaption would leave humans more vulnerable to cold without clothing or fire for warmth, highlighting a trade-off between thermoregulation and protection against the elements.
• Some garter snakes with toxin resistance mutations may move more slowly and could be less adept at hunting or avoiding predators. This presents a trade-off between resistance to prey toxins and overall survivability in the presence of predators.

These examples depict complex adaptations and the consequences that can arise due to the double-edged nature of natural selection within specific environments.