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Question #45819
The Question
An ancestral diploid plant species () undergoes adaptive radiation, diverging into two distinct species, Species P and Species Q. Cytogenetic analysis reveals that Species P evolved via a series of paracentric inversions, while Species Q evolved via a Robertsonian translocation (centric fusion) between two non-homologous acrocentric chromosomes. Based on the chromosomal theory of inheritance, what will be the number of linkage groups in Species P and Species Q, respectively?
Options
- A.
10 and 10
- B.
10 and 9
- C.
20 and 18
- D.
10 and 11
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
Linkage Group Calculation|Adaptive Radiation Logic|Chromosomal Theory of Inheritance
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: The strict definition of a linkage group (Linkage groups = n) and how specific chromosomal aberrations impact the physical count of chromosomes.
Common Misconception: Students often memorize that 'rearrangements alter linkage' but fail to distinguish between altering the distance/order of genes (inversions) versus altering the absolute number of chromosomes (Robertsonian fusions).
Furthermore, a classic trap is confusing the linkage group count with the diploid number ().
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Principles of Inheritance and Variation - Class 12 |
| Concept | Linkage Group Calculation |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |