IB Biology HL 3.2.6 Phenotypic plasticity Question Bank

Practise IB Biology HL 3.2.6 by analysing how developmental conditions produce alternative phenotypes.

Exam points

Analyse data linking developmental temperature or exposure to changes in phenotype.
Evaluate phenotypic plasticity as a response that changes appearance or function without altering genotype.

[Maximum number: 1]

Scientists incubated larvae of the moth Utetheisa ornatrix at either $15^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ or $22^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ until they hatched. They found the hatched moths had different wing colour patterns due to phenotypic plasticity.

$Moth from larvae incubated at \(15^{\circ$

Moth from larvae incubated at \(15^{\circ

$Moth from larvae incubated at \(22^{\circ$

Moth from larvae incubated at \(22^{\circ

Which of the following explains the observed differences in wing colour?

Colder temperatures induce mutations in genes for wing colour.

The expression of genes for wing colour is affected by temperature.

A mutation makes moths less visible to predators in cold climates.

Wing colour is the result of polygenic inheritance.

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D3.2.6—Phenotypic plasticity question 1