Q15 - Chloroplast DNA Haplotypes in a Rare Japanese Orchid

Theoretical A Real exam question - full text reproduced under IBO's CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license

Genetic variation in three chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) regions was studied in populations of a rare orchid Vexillabium yakushimense. Material from nine populations on Honshu and two populations on the Japanese Nansei Islands (Yakushima and Okinawa) were sampled (Fig.). A–B, geographic distribution of 7 cpDNA haplotypes of V. yakushimense. Pies are populations, and each colour indicates a haplotype. The size of each coloured slice shows proportion of each haplotype in the population; C, parsimony network: circles a to g are seven different haplotypes in the 11 populations. Circle size indicates frequency of each haplotype. Linked haplotypes differ by only 1-2 mutations.

Figure 1. Figure 1.

Using the information and data, determine which of the statements are true or which are false.

A. The origin of the orchid in Japan might be mainland Honshu because of the high genetic diversity observed here

B. It is likely that a founder effect can been seen in Okinawa

C. CpDNA is better than nuclear DNA in revealing maternal origins of individuals

D. The study suggests that mountains and river basins are more effective barriers to gene flow than the sea separating islands

← Previous: Q14 Next: Q16 →

Question reproduced from IBO 2015, Theoretical Exam A, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 - attributed to the International Biology Olympiad. Open the full exam PDF · Community solutions (unofficial)