Female European corn borer moths (Ostrinia nubilalis) produce the sex pheromone 11−tetradecenyl acetate (11−TDA), which attracts males of their species. 11−TDA can be produced in two forms, E and Z, each with a different three-dimensional shape. Researchers have discovered two different strains of the European corn borer moth living in the same area. Females of the E strain produce primarily the E form of 11−TDA and females of the Z strain produce primarily the Z form of 11−TDA. Males of both strains are more attracted to the form of 11−TDA produced by the females of the same strain. Which of the following best predicts a long-term effect of the differences between the E and Z strains? a) the difference between the forms of the sex pheromone 11-TDA produced by E and Z strains will act as a prezygotic reproductive barrier leading to sympatric speciation b) The difference between the forms of the sex pheromone 11−TDA produced by E and Z strains will act as a postzygotic reproductive barrier, leading to allopatric speciation. c) Since the E and Z strains are both part of the same species, they will produce fertile offspring, leading to a single strain that produces both forms of 11−TDA. d) Since the E and Z strains are found in the same geographic area, they will hybridize, leading to a single strain that produces the dominant form of 11−TDA
Female European corn borer moths (Ostrinia nubilalis) produce the sex pheromone 11−tetradecenyl acetate (11−TDA), which attracts males of their species. 11−TDA can be produced in two forms, E and Z, each with a different three-dimensional shape. Researchers have discovered two different strains of the European corn borer moth living in the same area. Females of the E strain produce primarily the E form of 11−TDA and females of the Z strain produce primarily the Z form of 11−TDA. Males of both strains are more attracted to the form of 11−TDA produced by the females of the same strain. Which of the following best predicts a long-term effect of the differences between the E and Z strains?
a) the difference between the forms of the sex pheromone 11-TDA produced by E and Z strains will act as a prezygotic reproductive barrier leading to sympatric speciation
b) The difference between the forms of the sex pheromone 11−TDA produced by E and Z strains will act as a postzygotic reproductive barrier, leading to allopatric speciation.
c) Since the E and Z strains are both part of the same species, they will produce fertile offspring, leading to a single strain that produces both forms of 11−TDA.
d) Since the E and Z strains are found in the same geographic area, they will hybridize, leading to a single strain that produces the dominant form of 11−TDA
Answer
Answer: a) the difference between the forms of the sex pheromone 11-TDA produced by E and Z strains will act as a prezygotic reproductive barrier leading to sympatric speciation
Explanation: The pheromone difference acts as a prezygotic barrier that prevents interbreeding between the E and Z strains, which can lead to sympatric speciation where new species arise without geographic isolation.
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