Photo AI
Explain three of the following terms: (i) freemartin condition (ii) hermaphrodite (iii) artificial selection (iv) pedigree animal - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 7 - 2010
Question 7
Explain three of the following terms: (i) freemartin condition (ii) hermaphrodite (iii) artificial selection (iv) pedigree animal. In guinea pigs the allele for bla... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explain three of the following terms: (i) freemartin condition (ii) hermaphrodite (iii) artificial selection (iv) pedigree animal - Leaving Cert Agricultural Science - Question 7 - 2010
Step 1
Explain three of the following terms: (i) freemartin condition
Answer
A freemartin is defined as a heifer calf which is a twin to a bull calf. This condition leads to infertility in the heifer due to hormonal influences from the male twin. Freemartins are usually identified by their unusual genital development, which may include characteristics typical of both male and female.
Step 2
Explain three of the following terms: (ii) hermaphrodite
Answer
A hermaphrodite is an organism that possesses both male and female reproductive organs. This condition is found in various species across the animal kingdom. In many cases, hermaphrodites can reproduce with either themselves or another organism of their species.
Step 3
Explain three of the following terms: (iii) artificial selection
Answer
Artificial selection is a process used by breeders to promote desirable traits in organisms. This process is often faster than natural selection and can involve methods like selective breeding or even genetic engineering. By choosing which organisms breed, specific characteristics are enhanced or developed.
Step 4
Step 5
Using a Punnett square and labelling all genotypes and phenotypes, illustrate this cross.
Answer
The Punnett square for the cross between Bb (black) and bb (brown) looks like this:
| B | b | |
|---|---|---|
| b | Bb | bb |
| b | Bb | bb |
Gametes:
- From Bb parent: B and b
- From bb parent: b and b
Genotypes:
- Bb (Black) and bb (Brown)
Phenotypes:
- 50% Black (Bb), 50% Brown (bb).
Step 6
Step 7
Explain how polyploidy arises in plants.
Answer
Polyploidy arises in plants when there is an error during cell division, leading to the duplication of chromosomes. This may happen through processes like endoreduplication, where the cell duplicates its chromosomes without undergoing mitosis, resulting in cells with multiple sets of chromosomes.
Step 8
Step 9
Account for the importance attached to index of calving difficulty in A.I. sire catalogues.
Answer
The index of calving difficulty is crucial because it predicts the ease with which a cow will give birth to a calf. This is important for herd management and profitability, as difficult calvings can lead to greater veterinary costs and lower calf survival rates. Selecting sires with a low calving difficulty index ensures healthier pregnancies and calves.