Question

Suppose that a mutation in a species of annual plant increases allocation to chemical defenses against herbivores, but decreases production of flowers and seeds (i.e. there is an allocation trade-off). What would you have to measure in a field study in order to predict whether or not the frequency of the mutation will increase?

Answer 1

Ans. The amount of chemical produced in the plants in the field can be estimated from generation to generation. Increase of this chemical at the initial stage and more prevalent occurance widely among the plants indicates the increase in mutation frequency. If such consistency in terms of production of this chemical and reduction in seeds show a stable frequency of mutation. Along with this, estimation of seed per plants can be estimated and correlation between quantity of seeds produced and chemical produced can be estimated and trade-off level can be determined. Decrease in seed production indicates and increase in chemical production will indicate the increase in frequency of mutation and stable state in terms of chemicals and seed production will indicate the stability of frequency of mutation and decrease in seed and increase in chemical indicates increase in frequency of mutation.