Question

A biologist conducts an experiment by releasing 50 Dd parrots on a remote tropical island, Alpha. On another remote island, called Beta, she releases 25 DD parrots and 25 dd parrots. What is the most likely description of the parrot populations after several generations? Assume random mating and equal chances of survival for all genotypes.

Answer 1

Explanation:

On island A,

Parrots with Dd were released therefore these will mate with each other and will produce:

                          Dd   x Dd

                        D         d

              D     DD        Dd

             d     Dd          dd

Therefore, 25% DD, 50% Dd and 25% dd genotype parrot offspings will be produced.

On island B, parrots with DD and dd were released, therefore they will mate and will produce,

                       DD  x   dd

1.                 D             D

       d     Dd          Dd

        d      Dd          Dd

2.              DD   x     DD

               D            D

    D         DD         DD

    D         DD         DD

3.               dd   x dd

                  d      d

         d     dd   dd

          d     dd   dd

This shows that there is a possibility on island A where 25% DD, 50% Dd and 25% dd genotype parrot offsprings will be produced whereas on island B, chances are almost equal as all three genotype parrot offsprings can be produced but the percentage could vary.