Compare the results from the mtdna and the nuclear dna

QUESTION 1. Based on the distribution, the coloration patterns, the phylogeny, the dated topology, and the genetic clustering. How many species you would recognize? Explain it extensively (it must be at least one page long, single space, font size 12), make sure to include what species concept you are following, possible isolating mechanisms, life history strategies, type of speciation, if the organisms experience sexual selection. Your answer must be as if you were writing a discussion (follow the guideline provided for your project). It must include at least three citations (different than the ones listed here) (250 pts).

In looking at the distribution, coloration patterns, phylogeny, dated topology, and genetic clustering, I would recognize four species. The first two species are separated by geography, with one species in the eastern part of the range and the other in the western part. The second pair of species is separated by coloration, with one species being brightly colored and the other being relatively drab. There is also some evidence of the genetic separation between these two pairs of species.

One reason that the mtDNA and nuclear DNA tests might produce different results is that the mitochondrial DNA is more susceptible to mutational changes than the nuclear DNA. This is because the mitochondrial DNA is not protected by Histones like the nuclear DNA is, so it is more exposed to damage. This means that more changes are likely to accumulate in the mitochondrial DNA over time, which would lead to the mtDNA test showing more mutations than the nuclear DNA test.

Another reason that the mtDNA and nuclear DNA tests might produce different results is that the mitochondrial DNA is passed down through the maternal line, while the nuclear DNA is passed down through both the maternal and paternal lines. This means that any mutations that occur in the mitochondrial DNA will be passed down to all of the offspring of that mother, while mutations in the nuclear DNA will be passed down to only half of the offspring. This difference can lead to the accumulation of more mutations in the mitochondrial DNA over time, which would again lead to the mtDNA test showing more mutations than the nuclear DNA test.

There are several benefits that Batesian mimicry confers on the colubrid snakes. First, it allows the snakes to avoid being eaten by predators. Second, it allows the snakes to save energy by not having to expend resources on developing toxins or on other means of defense. Finally, it allows the snakes to reduce their encounter rate with predators, which can reduce the risk of injury or death.

The cost of Batesian mimicry is that the colubrid snakes may be mistaken for coral snakes by humans. This can lead to the snakes being killed, regardless of whether they are actually venomous or not.

Genetic drift is a random process that can lead to the fixation of alleles in a population. As a result, genetic drift can cause the two clades to become further genetically differentiated over time. In this case, the accumulation of genetic differences between the North and South clades is likely due to genetic drift.

The evidence for gene flow comes from the fact that the North and South clades are not completely genetically isolated. There is still some gene flow between the two clades, as evidenced by the presence of individuals from both clades in the same population (Figure 3). This suggests that the North and South clades are not completely isolated from each other and that gene flow is still occurring between them.