Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · Natural and artificial selection

Natural and artificial selection — practice question

Holstein Friesian cattle are a cattle breed that dairy farmers in many countries use because their cows give a high milk yield. In Holstein Friesian cattle, milk yield is influenced by heat stress. Heat stress happens when homeostatic mechanisms are insufficient to keep body temperature at normal levels. Air temperature is one factor that adds to heat stress. Fig. 4.1 shows Holstein Friesian cattle. Fig. 4.2 presents the mean daily air temperature in Central Europe and the mean monthly milk yield per cow of Holstein Friesian cattle in Central Europe.
(a)[2]

Using Fig. 4.2, describe how air temperature and milk yield change from April through August.

(b)[3]

In tropical regions, many dairy farmers choose cattle breeds that are tolerant to heat stress (heat-tolerant cattle). These heat-tolerant cattle can cope with higher air temperatures than Holstein Friesian cattle before heat stress begins, and they show milder symptoms of heat stress than Holstein Friesian cattle when the air temperature is equally high. If heat stress is absent, heat-tolerant cattle produce a lower milk yield than Holstein Friesian cattle under the same conditions. Scientists compared the DNA sequences of Holstein Friesian cattle and heat-tolerant cattle for several genes known to affect body temperature. They identified twenty genes with alleles found only in heat-tolerant cattle. Using the information given, including Fig. 4.2: state the type (pattern) of phenotypic variation shown by milk yield in cattle; identify the factors that cause phenotypic variation in milk yield in cattle. In each case, give a reason for your choice.

(c)[3]

Using Fig. 4.3, describe how the $SLICK$ allele affects milk yield in Holstein Friesian cattle.

(d)[6]

Compare gene editing with selective breeding for introducing the $SLICK$ allele into Holstein Friesian cattle. Include both similarities and differences in your response.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 14-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Milk yield falls as temperature rises

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