P
A
G
E Frogs & Phylogeny
1
1. For this problem, you will have to create a pedigree. Please draw a minimum of 2
generations but do 3 if it's necessary to properly show how a trait is passed. Research an
existing mutation / trait / genetically heritable disease or get creative make up your own -
as long as it makes sense! Please include a paragraph on the mutation that incorporates
background info and some key vocabulary from our last couple lectures. Lastly, include a
2x2 Punnett square for one of the pairings in your pedigree. Submit as a word doc, pdf, or an
image of your hand-drawn work.
a. The type of genetic disease I chose was Huntington Disease which is caused by a
mutation the specific gene protein called Huntingtin. There is an autosomal dominant
trait and there are multiple factors such as the fact that either male or female can get it
especially if either the maternal or paternal has the gene then there is a 50% chance of
each child in the following generation produced to develop the condition as well as be
able to pass the gene onto any children they later have as well. This specifically
affected chromosome 4 so the child from the affected parent has a 50% chance of
inheriting the copy of chromosome 4 that carries the actual mutation.
2. Consider Fig. 23.19 in How Life Works. Note that the crocodile group is the
outgroup of the group that contains all the other animals on the page.
a. Give an example of a monophyletic group in this phylogeny:
i. Four digits in hand such as Eoraptor
b. Explain what makes this group monophyletic:
i. This group is monophyletic because the specific ancestors are all bound
together by that specific trait in the group.
3. Consider Fig. 24.2 in How Life Works.
a. Name one monophyletic group within this phylogenetic tree: human, bonobo and
chimpanzee
i. For this group, what is a shared, derived trait? Earlobes
ii. For this group, name one ancestral trait: robust canine teeth
b. What is the difference between an ancestral trait and a shared, derived trait?
i. An ancestral trait is what we think was present in the common
ancestor of the specific species of interest and a derived trait is a
form that arose from somewhere on the lineage that descended from
that specific ancestor. Ancestral are shared throughout the larger
group whereas the derived are present only in smaller groups
which is defined and identified by the member having that
derived trait.
P
A
G
E
1
