Question

In the imaginary land of Bibliophilia, some dogs can read books, whereas others cannot. The reading gene, r, is recessive. Dogs that can read are homozygous for the gene. Dogs that cannot read are either RR or Rr. Readers are highly prized and well cared for by their owners, whereas nonreaders often starve to death.

Over time, what will occur within the population of dogs in Bibliophilia?

Answer 1

Answer: Over time, the population of dogs in Bibliophilia will become increasingly homozygous for the reading gene r.

Explanation: Dogs that can read are homozygous for the gene, meaning they have two copies of the recessive allele. Dogs that cannot read are either RR or Rr, meaning they have at least one dominant allele. Since nonreaders often starve to death, they are less likely to reproduce and pass on their genes to future generations.

As a result, the frequency of the recessive allele r will increase over time in the population. This means that more dogs will be homozygous for the reading gene and able to read books. Eventually, the population may become fixed for the recessive allele, meaning that all dogs will be able to read books.

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