Albinism, which is caused by a mutational disruption in melanin (skin pigment) production, has been observed in many animal species. In 1991, the only documented observation of an albino humpback whale (named “Migaloo”) was observed near New South Wales, Australia. a) Do you think that Migaloo’s albinism is more likely caused by a dominant or recessive mutation? Why? b) Would knowing the sex of the only albino humpback whale ever observed help answer whether the albino gene is sex-linked or autosomal? Explain your reasoning. c) Assuming that Migaloo’s albinism is caused by a rare recessive gene, what is the likelihood of the establishment of a natural robust subpopulation of albino white humpback whales in this population? d) Assuming that Migaloo’s albinism is caused by a rare dominant gene, what is the likelihood of the establishment of a natural robust subpopulation of albino white humpback whales in this population?
6. Albinism, which is caused by a mutational disruption in melanin (skin pigment) production, has been observed in many animal species. In 1991, the only documented observation of an albino humpback whale (named “Migaloo”) was observed near New South Wales, Australia.
a) Do you think that Migaloo’s albinism is more likely caused by a dominant or recessive mutation? Why?
b) Would knowing the sex of the only albino humpback whale ever observed help answer whether the albino gene is sex-linked or autosomal? Explain your reasoning.
c) Assuming that Migaloo’s albinism is caused by a rare recessive gene, what is the likelihood of the establishment of a natural robust subpopulation of albino white humpback whales in this population?
d) Assuming that Migaloo’s albinism is caused by a rare dominant gene, what is the likelihood of the establishment of a natural robust subpopulation of albino white humpback whales in this population?
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