Question

Two genes, CaM and BMP4, control beak ____________ and ____________ , respectively, in finches. High levels of CaM expression will result in ____________ beaks, whereas low levels of CaM expression will result in ____________ beaks. High levels of BMP4 expression will result in ____________ beaks, whereas low levels of BMP4 expression will result in ____________ beaks. Therefore, the degree of expression and, consequently, the amount of ____________ produced, affects beak development in utero. Therefore, small changes to the ____________ within a developing embryo could result in the formation of new species, providing both evidence and a mechanism for ____________ .

Answer 1

Answer:

1. Beak shape and depth

2. Long beaks; short beaks

3. Tall beaks; shallow beaks

4. Protein

5. Genes; macroevolution

Explanation:

Two genes, CaM and BMP4, control beak shape and depth, respectively, in finches. High levels of CaM expression will result in long beaks, whereas low levels of CaM expression will result in short beaks. High levels of BMP4 expression will result in tall or deep beaks, whereas low levels of BMP4 expression will result in shallow beaks. Therefore, the degree of expression and, consequently, the amount of protein produced, affects beak development in utero. Therefore, small changes to the genes within a developing embryo could result in the formation of new species, providing both evidence and a mechanism for macroevolution .

Note:

The BMP4 gene is the gene for Bone morphological protein 4. It determines how deep or tall the beak will be.

The CaM gene is the gene for Calmodulin. It regulates how long a beak will grow.