The genes in a population give forth the genetic variability across a population (genotypes). In addition, occasional mutations of these genes in a population increase this genetic variability. Hovever, natural selection only favours reproduction of individuals with genes that are favourable in the environment/habitat. Therefore, natural selection has no foresight but is rather pegged on being an ‘opportunistic’ process.
Answer:
Malignant melanoma cells would have active telomerases that constantly replenish and lengthen telomeres.
Explanation:
Telomerase can be described as enzymes which add the repetitive sequences called telomeres at the end of a chromosome. Telomeres can be described as repetitive sequences at the end of the chromosome which are involved in protecting the chromosome from any damage.
In a normal skin cell, the telomeres will shorten with time. But in a malignant skin cell, the telomerase will add the repetitive sequence again and again. The telomers will not be able to shorten.
Answer: Xiao can use these structures to create a similarity matrix that enables to differentiate between synapomorphies and homoplasies .
Explanation: A synapomorphy is a trait that has been inherited from the same ancestor, this trait enables to establish a relation of homology between two or more species; while a homoplasy is an analog structure that doesn't have homology.