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Question #45307
The Question
A researcher observes a mutant strain of a sexually reproducing organism where the synaptonemal complex degrades prematurely immediately after the Zygotene stage, completely bypassing the recombinase-mediated events of Pachytene. If this mutation becomes prevalent in an isolated population, which of the following evolutionary and genetic consequences is LEAST likely to occur?
Options
- A.
The frequency of chiasmata observed during the Diplotene stage will be reduced to zero.
- B.
The population will rely solely on independent assortment and random fertilization for generating new genetic combinations.
- C.
The rate of natural selection acting on vestigial traits will accelerate due to the stabilization of the gene pool.
- D.
The raw material for evolutionary adaptation will be severely restricted, increasing the population's susceptibility to environmental changes.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Evolutionary_Exception
Tackle problems where standard rules evolve or change based on specific environmental constraints.
Concepts Behind This Question
Diplotene|Chiasmata|Vestigial Organs|Natural Selection Directionality
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Linking the micro-cellular events of Prophase I sub-stages (Zygotene/Pachytene/Diplotene) directly to macro-evolutionary concepts.
Students often memorize meiosis stages but fail to apply how the absence of Pachytene events (crossing over) restricts the 'raw material' for natural selection, thereby decelerating evolutionary rates rather than accelerating them.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Cell Cycle and Cell Division - Class 11 |
| Concept | Prophase I Sub-stages Sequence |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |