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MCAT Biology Passage 3: Genetics and Evolution
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Avg score: 66% Most missed: “Which is most likely to account for the large change between years 6 and 8?”
Ornithologists conducting surveys deep within the western regions of the Amazon River basin happened upon a group of uniquely colored parrots that expressed a near-fluorescent yellow pigment in their display plumage that clearly set them apart from others in their population, whose dominant color was a much deeper red. These brighter birds were much more conspicuous within the foliage in which they dwelt, and the researchers thought that this might bring a great selection pressure to bear against this variation. The researchers followed this special population every other summer for a total... Show more
MCAT Biology Passage 3: Genetics and Evolution
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5 Questions

1. The researchers in year 10 observed a preference expressed by females of the yellow group for males with the same color. This preference was indicated by a mating bias of 2%. What conclusion can be drawn from this observation?
2. What conclusion can be drawn concerning the relationship between animal behavior and plumage pigments?
3. Which is most likely to account for the large change between years 6 and 8?
4. The change in population colors strongly suggests that what event is being observed?
5. A mutation seems to have arisen within this parrot population. At what point was this mutation most likely to have occurred?