Q. How might an evolutionary biologist explain why a species of species of salamander becomes blind after colonizing a cave? (Solved)
1. It is possible that in the cave there is a source of pollution that increases the mutation rate for a gene that makes salamanders blind. Over time, due to exposure to this chemical, the members of the population lose their sight.
2. Members of the ancestral population that colonized the cave differed in their ability to see. If maintaining the ability to see in the cave was a waste of energy, blind salamanders might actually have more offspring than those who could see.
3. There is no way to explain this in terms of natural selection
4. The members of this salamander species no longer needed to use their eyes. Over time, due to
- b. Members of the ancestral population that colonized the cave differed in their ability to see. If maintaining the ability to see in the cave was a waste of energy, blind salamanders might actually have more offspring than those who could see.