[Campbell Biology P.606] Based on Figure 26.6 and its conclusion, which unknown mtDNA sample... | Practice Question

Based on Figure 26.6 and its conclusion, which unknown mtDNA samples were most likely illegally harvested?

  • A: Unknown mtDNA #1a, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
  • B: Unknown mtDNA #9
  • C: Unknown mtDNA #1b
  • D: Unknown mtDNA #10, 11, 12, 13

Explanation

The conclusion states that 'mtDNA sequences of six of the unknown samples in red were most closely related to mtDNA sequences of whales that are not legal to harvest.' From the diagram, Unknown mtDNA 9 clusters with Minke North Atlantic mtDNA, Unknown mtDNA 1b with Humpback mtDNA, and Unknown mtDNA 10, 11, 12, 13 with Blue mtDNA. Since only Southern Hemisphere Minke can be legally sold, these three groups of unknown samples represent illegally harvested whale meat.