The 3 Species That Break Genetics

The video explores the genetic complexity of beard tongues, a group of flowers in North America. Despite appearing as different species, they belong to a species complex, challenging traditional species definitions. The flowers are adapted to specific pollinators, bees or hummingbirds, which influences their genetic inheritance. Research reveals unusual genetic loci inheritance, defying the law of independent assortment. This selective pressure maintains distinct pollination traits, offering insights into species evolution and adaptation, potentially aiding in understanding rapid trait evolution in response to environmental changes.

What is a species complex as described in the context of beard tongues?

• Two or more species that are closely related and almost count as one.

• A single species with no genetic variation.

• A species that can breed with any other species.

• A group of species that are completely unrelated.

How do the New Mexico and upright beard tongues attract their pollinators?

• By having wide, purpley blue flowers that attract bees.

• By having no specific color or shape.

• By having red flowers that attract hummingbirds.

• By emitting a strong scent that attracts all insects.

What does the law of independent assortment state?

• Genes are always inherited together.

• Genes for similar traits are always inherited together.

• Genes on different chromosomes are inherited independently.

• All genes are linked and cannot be separated.

What unusual genetic behavior was observed in beard tongues?

• All genes are linked on a single chromosome.

• No genes are inherited together.

• 21 loci on 8 chromosomes are inherited together despite being unconnected.

• All genes are inherited independently.

Why is there a strong selective pressure in beard tongues?

• To ensure hybrid flowers are more common.

• To maintain distinct pollination traits for hummingbirds and bees.

• To allow all flowers to be pollinated by any pollinator.

• To eliminate genetic diversity.

What is the significance of understanding gene flow in beard tongues?

• It shows that all species are genetically identical.

• It explains how species evolve new traits quickly.

• It proves that natural selection does not affect flowers.

• It helps in creating new hybrid species.

What is the potential impact of studying beard tongues on genetics?

• It might reveal new truths about genetics similar to Mendel's pea plants.

• It could lead to the discovery of new plant species.

• It will prove that species cannot adapt to environmental changes.

• It will show that all flowers have the same genetic makeup.