Question

In a population of seals, most of the seals have similar coloring. However, one seal has albinism. This seal is white and is almost completely blind. What is most likely the cause of this difference from the rest of the population? gene flow natural selection gene mutation genetic drift

Answer 1

Right answer: gene mutation

Albinism is a defect in the production of melanin (a natural substance in the body that gives color to the hair, skin and iris of the eyes) caused by mutations in different genes, therefore it is considered a genetic issue.

Albinism can occur in humans and animals and can be inherited from parents to children. This is why even in seals population albinism occurs.

Answer 2

The cause of albinism in one seal in a population of seals with similar coloring is gene mutation. Albinism is a recessive trait caused by a mutation in the gene for the enzyme which is important in melanin synthesis. Since melanin is a pigment responsible for hair and skin colour, the gene mutation will cause the absence of melanin and thus, albinism.