DNA Packet 2 - Part 1 Data Dive Form

JavaScript isn't enabled in your browser, so this file can't be opened. Enable and reload.

Click here to access the Packet.

Last Name *

Instructor *

Helmke 3

Helmke 4

Helmke 5

Hendricks 4

Hendricks 5

Kohn 3

Kohn 4

Kohn 5

Tonn 1

Tonn 3

Tonn 5

Briefly summarize the first hypothesis in your own words.

(Visit page 2 of the packet to answer this question. Click here to access the Packet)

Briefly summarize the second hypothesis in your own words. *

Whales are found in many different marine environments, including polar regions where photosynthesis & biomass production is very limited. How does this information affect these two hypotheses?

a. It supports the first hypothesis but weakens arguments for the second hypothesis.

b. It supports the second hypothesis but weakens arguments for the first hypothesis.

c. It supports both the first and second hypothesis.

d. It weakens arguments for both the first and second hypothesis.

Explain your reasoning for your choice in the previous question. Why does this seem like the most accurate response? What is inaccurate about the other responses?

Which of the following would be a possible rationale* for the first hypothesis? (First hypothesis: changes in DNA caused the whale's large body size)

*A rationale is the reasoning and evidence that supports a hypothesis.

a. Most marine ecosystems support more photosynthesis and have higher carrying capacities.

b. Whales that live in nutrient-rich waters have easier access to diets high in fat and protein.

c. If proteins that regulate cell division became dysfunctional, rates of mitosis would increase and lead to a larger body size.

d. Larger body sizes would enable whales to outcompete smaller organisms for access to food.

Explain your reasoning for your choice in the previous question. Why does this seem like the most accurate response? What is inaccurate about the other responses?

Which of the following hypothetical scenarios would most support the second hypothesis? (Second hypothesis: easier access to food caused the whale's large body size)

a. Rates of ocean photosynthesis increased significantly prior to the first fossil evidence of changes to the whale’s DNA.

b. Whales initially were only found in the warmest marine environments but then migrated to colder regions.

c. Whales have a dysfunctional gene for a protein that regulates mitosis, resulting in higher rates of cell division compared to other similar species.

Explain your reasoning for your choice in the previous question. Why does this seem like the most accurate response? What is inaccurate about the other responses?

Data Dive: use the provided data to answer the questions below. (Data source: Silva et al., 2023)

Based on the information at the top of page 3, what is the purpose of the EGF gene?
(Click here to access the Packet)

It increases the amount of food in the whale's environment.

It causes the formation of baleen.

It codes for a protein that limits mitosis and is needed for tooth formation.

It creates a stop codon in other proteins.

Which of the following describes the EGF protein in many of the largest whales?

It functions normally, which is why these whales are so large.

The EGF protein in large whales doesn't fully form in their cells.

Their EGF gene produces a protein for a different trait.

The EGF protein is used to make teeth instead of regulating their rates of mitosis.

Whales with a dysfunctional EGF gene…

Lack teeth and tend to be larger.

Lack teeth and tend to be smaller.

Have teeth and tend to be larger.

Have teeth and tend to be smaller.

For the data included here, the whales in bold are those over 10 m (33 feet). The largest whales tend to be part of the mysticetes (toothless) group. In contrast, whales in the odontocetes (toothed) group tend to be smaller. What is one conclusion that would be supported by this data?

How is your first conclusion supported by this data?

What is a second conclusion that would be supported by this data?

How is your second conclusion supported by this data?

Based on this data, which seems more accurate - the first hypothesis (whales are big because of changes to their DNA), or the second hypothesis (whales are big because of more access to their food)?

Explain your reasoning for your choice in the previous question. Why does this seem like the most accurate response? How does the accompanying data support your ideas?

Submit

Clear form

Never submit passwords through Google Forms.

This form was created inside of Waterford Union High School.

Does this form look suspicious? Report

Forms