Question

The trees below present a hypothetical situation where "T" represents the evolution of a male trait that is attractive to females, and "P" represents where the preference in females evolved. Which tree below is consistent with the sensory bias hypothesis?

(a)A P (on Aa B C T(below d) D
(c)A P (below bB) B C T(below d) D
(b)A B C P(below c)T(below d) D
(d)A T(below b) B C P(below d) D

Answer 1

The correct phylogenetic tree consistent with the sensory bias hypothesis is the one that shows 'P' evolving before 'T'. Hence, tree (b) is consistent as it displays female preference evolving before the male trait, aligning with the hypothesis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The sensory bias hypothesis suggests that a male trait becomes sexually selected because it exploits a pre-existing preference in the sensory system of the females.

Therefore, for a phylogenetic tree to be consistent with this hypothesis, the preference ('P') in females must evolve before the trait ('T') in males that is attractive to the females. Based on the options provided in the question, the correct tree would be the one that shows 'P' appearing before 'T' on the evolutionary timeline.

Tree (a): A P (on Aa B C T(below d) D is inconsistent, as it indicates the preference evolved after the trait.
Tree (b): A B C P(below c) T(below d) D is the correct one, as 'P' evolved before 'T', which is consistent with the sensory bias hypothesis.
Tree (c) and tree (d) both show 'T' evolving before 'P', which is also inconsistent with the sensory bias hypothesis.