Question

Research on speciation of Hawaiian crickets, shown in the accompanying figure, has led researchers to conclude that ________.

1) these cricket species have diverged by a mechanism known as assortative mating

2) females of different species have strong preferences for the singing pulse rate of the males of their own species

3) female preference for male singing pulse rate is genetically linked to the combination of genes regulating the singing pulse rate of males

4) All of the above are accurate.

Answer 1

Research on Hawaiian cricket speciation has found that assortative mating, female preference for singing pulse rate, and the genetic link between preference and pulse rate are all accurate factors contributing to speciation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Research on speciation of Hawaiian crickets has led researchers to conclude that all of the options provided are accurate. These cricket species have diverged by a mechanism known as assortative mating, where females of different species exhibit strong preferences for the singing pulse rate of the males of their own species. Furthermore, female preference for male singing pulse rate is genetically linked to the combination of genes regulating the singing pulse rate of males, demonstrating a mate recognition system that functions as a reproductive isolating mechanism.

Such patterns are observed in crickets like Gryllus pennsylvanicus and Gryllus firmus, which have distinct soil preferences leading to habitat isolation. Over time, this reproductive and genetic independence resulted in the divergence between the two cricket species. Therefore, the correct response to the student's question is option 4: All of the above are accurate.

Answer 2

Research on speciation of Hawaiian crickets, shown in the accompanying figure, has led researchers to conclude that 3) female preference for male singing pulse rate is genetically linked to the combination of genes regulating the singing pulse rate of males

Step-by-step explanation:

Assortative mating is a type of non-random mating where individuals choose mates with traits similar to their own. In the case of Hawaiian crickets, females of different species prefer the singing pulse rate of the males of their own species. This preference for specific traits leads to reproductive isolation between different species of crickets.

Furthermore, studies have shown that female preference for male singing pulse rate is genetically linked to the genes regulating the singing pulse rate in males. This means that the genes responsible for producing the specific pulse rate in males are also involved in the female's preference for that pulse rate. Therefore, the correct answer is option 3) female preference for male singing pulse rate is genetically linked to the combination of genes regulating the singing pulse rate of males.