Question

When calculating heritability in finch beak size using parent/offspring data, we find that 70 percent of the variation in the trait is due to genetics. What might explain the remainder of the variation? Select all that apply.
A.
nutrition
B.
color
C.
precipitation
D.
stress
E.
rarity
F.
temperature

Answer 1

Answer:

A.  nutrition

Explanation:

The most likely explanation for the remainder of the variation would be nutrition. Little is known about how exactly nutrition affects genetics and heritability, but it is known that it does. Scientists believe that traits that allow a species to feed more successfully have a drastically increased chance of appearing in offspring as it greatly contributes to their survival. When a trait does not allow the species to gain the proper nutrition, the species tends to develop other traits to accomplish this which then get passed on to offspring.