TeXes Science Practice Test

What is the role of the "H" allele in the context of a species adapting to taller trees?

1. Encouraging taller growth

2. Leading to stabilizing selection

3. Becoming more frequent in the population

4. Negatively affecting gene frequency

The correct answer is: Becoming more frequent in the population

The role of the "H" allele in the context of a species adapting to taller trees can be understood through the concept of natural selection and allele frequency. When a specific allele like "H" provides an adaptive advantage in a particular environment, such as taller trees offering better access to sunlight, individuals carrying that allele may thrive and reproduce more successfully than those without it. As a result, the frequency of the "H" allele in the population tends to increase over time, particularly if it is associated with traits that enhance survival and reproduction in that environment. This process leads to the evolution of the population, where advantageous traits become more common. In this case, the presence and advantages conferred by the "H" allele would contribute to its increased frequency in the population as organisms adapt to their environment, thus reinforcing the idea that natural selection favors beneficial alleles.