Question

Scenario: In a big population of seagulls, all of the gulls have yellow feet. Then one baby gull is born with white feet. This color is genetic. Answer the questions below to identify and describe this change in the population. Do not continue beyond to predict further changes, just describe and explain the change that has already happened as described above.Initial population makeup: 100% yellow feet1. Is this an example of mutation, selection, genetic drift, or gene flow?

Answer 1

If in a homogeneneous population a new phenotype appears of a trait that is genetically determined, this is most probably an example of mutation. Mutations occur due to a mistake in cell replication, sometimes, this mistake isn't non-viable, but modifies the individual's phenotype, so a new one appears in the population.