chapter 10: mice in black and white example

Hopi Hoekstra studied coat color in

oldfield mice in southern United states

coat varies by habitat

gulf coast sandy dunes → mostly white; abandoned farm fields → dark brown backs, light bellies

captive breeding: offspring matched parents

quantitative trait locus mapping identified genes involoved

2/3 requirements for natural selection were met

variation, genetic basis of trait

differential survival/reproduction

light, dark models → dark, light habitats → predators attacked mismatched phenotypes more

light colored mice of the same species was also found on the atlantic coast

one origin for both populations (most parsimonious) or separate?; light color caused by mutations in different genes → independent origins in both coasts; parallel evolution

lessons learned

same result but different mechanisms