Question

Focus on the evolution of the horn size in the Bighorn sheep population from 1950 to present. What would be evidence that the population evolved in relation to horn size (remember the definition of evolution)? The genotype frequencies changed but the allele frequencies of H1 and H2 stayed the same. o The population was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium from 1950 to present. There were more sheep with smaller horns because of mate choice. There was a change in allele frequency over time due to the hunting pressure.
The bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) is a species of sheep native to North America named for its large horns. These horns can weigh up to 14 kg (30 lb), while the sheep themselves weigh up to 140 kg (300 lb). The sheep live in harems, groups of one male and multiple females. Populations of bighorn sheep have inhabited Alberta, Canada for thousands of years. In bighorn sheep, males fight each other by banging their large horns together and males that win these contests control harems of females. Horn size in males is primarily influenced by a gene called HRN. There are 2 alleles, H1 and H2. H1 produces larger horns and H2 produces small horns. The alleles show an incomplete dominance inheritance pattern. Scientists measured horn size of male sheep in a population of bighorn sheep in 1950

Answer 1

Answer:

Naturally, bighorn sheep population had a higher frequency of individuals with larger horns due to sexual selection.

However, later on, illegal trophy hunting reduced the number of bighorn sheep with large horns as larger horn yields higher monetary benefits.

Evolution means that a change in allelic frequencies has taken place.

Hence, the correct choice should be:

Focus on the evolution of the horn size in the Bighorn sheep population from 1950 to present. What would be evidence that the population evolved in relation to horn size (remember the definition of evolution)? The genotype frequencies changed but the allele frequencies of H1 and H2 stayed the same. The population was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium from 1950 to present. There were more sheep with smaller horns because of mate choice. b There was a change in allele frequency over time due to the hunting pressure.

If hunting is not allowed, then again we can expect a rise in the frequency of sheep's with large horns (encoded by H1 allele) due to sexual selection (males with larger horns are able to find female mates and leave offsprings).

Hence, correct choice should be:

(C) Over time, we could see a rise in the H1 allele frequency.