4.10A - A rule of evolution is that complex traits cannot arise from nothing (de

Question

4.10A - A rule of evolution is that complex traits cannot arise from nothing (de novo). Based on this principle, determine if the following scenarios are possible. Type P for Possible Type N for Not Possible - Since chickens are relatives of reptiles including dinosaurs, they still carry genes from their dinosaur ancestors. Could mutations re-activate these dinosaur genes and cause the re-emergence of such traits as teeth, scales, or long tails in a chicken? - Since whales are relatives of land mammals, they still contain genes to make a primitive pelvis and legs. Although likely unable to ever walk on land, could a whale be borrn with legs? - Many mammals, including bats, have developed the means for flight including small bones and membranous hands (wings). Pigs are mammals, so could they begin to grow small boney protrusions that someday evolve into wings?

Explanation / Answer

1. It is possible to reactivate the genes in chickens. Recent research has published the development of a chickenosaurus by altering the genes for tail development, modification of the beak etc., at the embryonic stage to create a Dino-chicken

2. Whales possessed legs as locomotory organs like other mammals in land. With evolution and consistent dwelling in water, whales lost their hip and hind limbs. Their forelimbs became flippers. At present, some whales are born with vestigial legs as protrusions and modern whales occasionally have rudimentary hind legs.

3. It is not possible for pigs to develop protrusions that would someday become wings. As the pigs have moved and are moving through land it has no requirements of wings and no genes exist for this purpose for expression. Only genetically modified pigs with genes of other flying organisms will make it possible

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