A threatened wetland plant that lives only in the floodplains of the Ilinois Riv

Question

A threatened wetland plant that lives only in the floodplains of the Ilinois River has only 12 populations scattered over a distance of 250 miles. The plant has seeds highly adapted to floating long distances on floodwater. The Illinois River is also known for reversing flow during extreme flood events, providing multiple ways for seeds to land in different areas. A recent study examined the genetic diversity within and among this plant's populations. Astonishingly, the scientists discovered there was still a high degree of diversity with substantial genetic similarity between the populations even though they were widely separated. What could explain this result? Select all that apply Choose one or more: A. Unique mutations had occurred in each of the 12 populations. B. Overall gene flow maintained the genetic diversity of the populations by actively transferring aleles among the remaining groups C. The similarity was a result of gene flow that had occurred via seed dispersal on the river. D. Dispersed seeds germinated and then pollinated plants in other populations, resulting in gene flow. E. Genetic bottlenecks had occurred in all of the populations. ion

Explanation / Answer

A,C and D are correct answers.

Gene flow i.e. gene transfer by reproduction reduces difference between populations. Option D is the cause and option C is the result. Seeds were dispersed at different places, germinated and then there was pollination between different populations resulting in gene flow. Same alleles were shared by 12 populations bringing about similarity.

In case of genetic bottleneck, there is reduction in population size by some natural disaster, but nothing about such incident is written here. So, the reason for diversity among these plant populations can be some unique mutation. The plant populations are scattered over a distance of 250 miles, they may be facing different selection pressures which fixes some specific genes in one population but a other genes in another population.

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