[Campbell Biology P.606] The "WHAT IF?" section asks what different results would indicate t... | Practice Question

The "WHAT IF?" section asks what different results would indicate that all whale meat samples were harvested legally. Based on the "Results" and "Conclusion" of the experiment, what would be the key finding?

  • A: All unknown mtDNA samples would cluster with Fin mtDNA.
  • B: All unknown mtDNA samples would show high genetic diversity.
  • C: All unknown mtDNA samples would be identified as Minke whales from the Southern Hemisphere.
  • D: All unknown mtDNA samples would be identical to Blue Whale mtDNA.

Explanation

The 'Results' section states, 'Of the species in the resulting gene tree, only Minke whales caught in the Southern Hemisphere can be sold legally in Japan.' Therefore, for all samples to be legally harvested, they would all need to be identified as Minke whales from the Southern Hemisphere.