Argyroxiphium sandwicense

Wilkesia gymnoxiphium

1. Choose a gene that you would expect to have an important function in your species. You
don’t need to know the technical name for the gene, you may simply name it in terms of
its protein product. For example, if your species were mammals (but they are not), you
could say, “the oxytocin receptor gene.” Hint, if multiple students choose the same gene,
I will be very suspicious. Don’t do it.
2. Describe the normal function of the protein product of your chosen gene, in your two
species.
3. Imagine that a mutation occurs at this locus in an individual of your primary species.
4. Describe the effect, if any, that the mutation has on protein function, and on fitness. Yes,
you get to choose.
5. Explain what you expect will happen to the frequency of this mutation over time, and
why.
6. Is the Biological Species Concept useful for recognizing that your two species are
actually distinct species? Why or why not?

8-10. Give three reasons why your two species are actually distinct species.