Question

Is light coat color in beach mice and rock pocket mice homologous or analogous? Explain your reasoning, including a discussion of the genetic control of the trait.

Answer 1

Ans. The light coat color in beach mice and rocket pocket mice is homologous as both of them share the same origin. It has been observed that coat converges incase of rocket pocket mice and offers it the protection from owl and other predators. The color originates from the MC1R gene, due to a single nucleotide substitution in the melanocortin 1 receptor gene the impartation of color on the transmembrane occurs leading to such coloration. Due to the nucleotide substitution the synthesis of eumelanin occurs which triggers the dark coloration.