Question 1

Which of the following best describes the concept of 'ecotype' as it applies to orca whales?

Accepted Answer

A population of orcas with distinct food preferences, behaviors, and genetic traits adapted to a specific ecological niche.

Question 2

According to the biological species concept, which of the following would most strongly support the argument that two orca ecotypes are separate species?

Accepted Answer

They do not interbreed in the wild and have not done so for hundreds of thousands of years.

Question 3

Which of the following is an example of prezygotic reproductive isolation among orca ecotypes?

Accepted Answer

Different ecotypes have unique courtship rituals and actively avoid each other.

Question 4

Based on the ecological species concept, why might Pacific Northwest resident and transient orcas be considered different species?

Accepted Answer

They occupy overlapping geographic ranges but have completely different diets and hunting strategies.

Question 5

Which of the following statements about orca whale morphology is supported by the morphological species concept?

Accepted Answer

Distinct differences in jaw size, eye patch shape, and coloration among Antarctic orca types suggest they may be separate species.

Question 6

What does the phylogenetic tree of orca mitochondrial genomes suggest about the evolutionary history of North Pacific Transient orcas?

Accepted Answer

They diverged from all other orca ecotypes approximately 700,000 years ago.

Question 7

Which real-world scenario best illustrates sympatric speciation as described for orca ecotypes?

Accepted Answer

Orca families in the same geographic area develop different hunting strategies and vocalizations, leading to reproductive isolation.

Question 8

Why are captive-born hybrid orcas considered to have 'no conservation value' according to marine mammal experts?

Accepted Answer

They do not represent the genetic or ecological uniqueness of wild populations.

Question 9

If a new orca population is discovered with unique mitochondrial DNA and distinct prey preferences, which species concept(s) would most likely support classifying it as a new species? (Select the best answer.)

Accepted Answer

Both the ecological and phylogenetic species concepts.

Question 10

Which of the following best explains why orca ecotypes with overlapping geographic ranges do not interbreed in the wild?

Accepted Answer

Behavioral isolation due to differences in vocalizations, hunting strategies, and social structure prevents interbreeding.

Question 11

A researcher observes that two orca ecotypes have not interbred in the wild for hundreds of thousands of years, but hybrids can be produced in captivity. Which evolutionary process is most likely occurring?

Accepted Answer

Sympatric speciation driven by ecological and behavioral differences.

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a line of evidence used to argue for or against orca speciation in the provided materials?

Accepted Answer

Presence of orcas in both saltwater and freshwater environments.

Question 13

If you were to use the phylogenetic species concept to classify orca ecotypes, which of the following findings would be most important?

Accepted Answer

Distinct mitochondrial DNA lineages corresponding to ecotypes.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the relationship between geographic location and phylogenetic relatedness among orca ecotypes, as shown in the mitochondrial genome map and tree?

Accepted Answer

Some ecotypes in the same region are more closely related to distant populations than to their geographic neighbors, suggesting historical migration and ecological specialization.

Question 15

Which scenario would most likely lead to the formation of a new orca species according to the ecological species concept?

Accepted Answer

A population of orcas develops a new hunting technique and diet, leading to reproductive isolation from other populations.

Question 16

Which of the following best explains why the North Pacific Transient orcas are considered a distinct species by some researchers?

Accepted Answer

Genetic data show they diverged from other orca ecotypes about 700,000 years ago.

Question 17

Which of the following is a real-world consequence of failing to recognize distinct orca species for conservation purposes?

Accepted Answer

Unique ecotypes with specialized diets and behaviors may go extinct if their specific needs are not addressed.

Question 18

A population of orcas is found to have extensive runs of homozygosity and low genetic diversity. What does this suggest about their evolutionary history?

Accepted Answer

They have undergone population bottlenecks and inbreeding.

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the main shortcoming of using only mitochondrial DNA to determine orca species boundaries?

Accepted Answer

It only reflects maternal lineage and may not capture the full genetic diversity or gene flow between populations.

Orca Speciation: Applying Species Concepts

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