Population numbers of the blue moon butterfly within the Samoan islands were red

Question

Population numbers of the blue moon butterfly within the Samoan islands were reduced drastically in 2001. The species experienced a parasite that fed on the male embryos of the population. This created a gender imbalance, and numbers of new individuals dropped dramatically. However, in 2007 the male population bounced back within 10 generations and population numbers increased by 40 percent. The parasite still exists within the population. Which best explains the source of the variation in the new, surviving males? O mutation higher fitness against the parasite low number of surviving males sexual recombination

Explanation / Answer

Wolbachia bacterium kills the male embryos of blue moon butterfly as it can spread the infection through the female eggs but it can not enter the sperm. Researchers believe that the male population of blue moon butterflies bounced back and their population number increased due to a mutation that resulted in a resistance gene against the parasite in male blue moon butterflies. Mutations that are beneficial for an organism will get established and they get passed on to the next generations. Therefore, the gene mutation that gave rise to resistance gene against the parasite in male blue moon butterflies is the source of variation in the new, surviving males. So, the correct option is option A, Mutation.

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