Question

An extensive study was conducted on identical twins who were separated at birth. Among other things, the study showed that the individual from each pair who received better nutrition during childhood tended to be taller. This can best be described as an example of how:

a. mutation alters genotype.
b. mutation alters phenotype.
c. environment alters genotype.
d. environment alters phenotype.
e. multiple alleles having an effect on phenotype.

Answer 1

d. environment alters phenotype.

Step-by-step explanation:

The situation is best described as environment elters phenotype.

The genotype of an organism is the genetic composition for a particular trait in that organism while the physical manifestation of that trait is the phenotype.

In this case, the administration of better nutrition affect the physical manifestation of the gene for height. Even though the gene for height remains the same in the two individuals (since they are identical. Identical twins have the same genome), the manifestation was alter by the environment. The environmental factor being inadequate nutrition.

The correct answer is d.

Answer 2

d. environment alters phenotype.

Step-by-step explanation:

Phenotype refers to the physical characteristics of an organisms such as height, weight, color etc.

Genotype is the genetic composition of an organism.

The phenotype is usually as a result of the environment having an influence on the genotype.

In this case, the other twin is exposed to an environmental condition which is better nutrition. This better nutrition makes the twin taller. Tallness is a phenotypic trait.

This simply means environment altered the phenotype.