MCAT Biology Question 172: Answer and Explanation

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Question: 172

7. Which of the following statements is INCORRECT regarding inheritance of traits according to the modern synthesis model?

  • A. A mutation due to excessive amounts of ultraviolet light occurs in an unfertilized egg; this will affect the child who is born from that egg.
  • B. The muscular strength gained by a weight lifter during his lifetime is inherited by his children.
  • C. A green-feathered bird that survived all of the predators in the forest will pass on the green feather genes to its offspring.
  • D. A flower with a tasty nectar eaten by a butterfly is more likely to pass on its genes through the pollen spread by the butterfly then a flower with less desirable nectar.

Correct Answer: B

Explanation:

To find the correct answer, we have to read each choice and eliminate the ones that fit with the modern-day theories of inheritance, which state that the genes that make an organism most fit for its environment will be passed to offspring. This can be seen in choice (C) and (D), both of which demonstrate that an organism with improved fitness will pass those genes to offspring. Choice (A) mentions a gamete being exposed to mutagens; a zygote created from this gamete would contain any mutations in the egg and would be affected by them. Thus, choice (B) must be the correct answer: indeed, acquired characteristics not encoded in the genome should not be passed to offspring according to the modern synthesis model.

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