[Campbell Biology P.508] In 2005, Icelandic scientists reported finding a large chromosomal ... | Practice Question

In 2005, Icelandic scientists reported finding a large chromosomal inversion present in 20% of northern Europeans. They also noted that Icelandic women with this inversion had significantly more children than women without it. Based on the principles discussed in the text, what would you expect to happen to the frequency of this inversion in the Icelandic population in future generations?

  • A: The frequency of the inversion will decrease due to its rarity.
  • B: The frequency of the inversion will remain stable as it is not lethal.
  • C: The frequency of the inversion will increase over time due to natural selection.
  • D: The inversion will be eliminated from the population due to its chromosomal abnormality.
  • E: The frequency will fluctuate randomly with no predictable trend.

Explanation

The text indicates that 'small heritable changes that are beneficial may occur,' leading to 'genetic diversity that provides valuable raw material for natural selection.' In this scenario, the chromosomal inversion provides a direct reproductive advantage women with it have 'significantly more children' . Traits that confer a reproductive advantage are favored by natural selection, leading to an increase in their frequency in the population over generations.