supergene
Chromosomal unit block
A supergene is a cluster of genes on a chromosome that are inherited together as a single unit because recombination between them is suppressed.
This genetic architecture allows complex traits involving multiple genes to be passed on intact, which is especially useful when combinations of traits work better together than separately.
Supergenes explain phenomena like butterfly wing patterns, bird plumage variations, and different mating strategies within the same species.
The supergene controlling mimicry in swallowtail butterflies keeps the right color patterns linked together.
Reversal of position
- haplotypeLinked genetic variants inherited together
- locusParticular position or place
- polymorphismMany forms, one interface
- alleleGene variant at one locus
Change form gradually
- phenotypeObservable characteristics of organism
- mimicryAdaptive resemblance to another
- wing patternDecorative arrangement on flight surfaces
- butterflyWinged insect from caterpillar
color pattern · plumage · ruffs · primrose · ant · polymorphic
Differential reproductive success
- adaptationFitting to new conditions
- divergenceSeparation from common origin
- speciationFormation of distinct species
- fitnessGood physical shape
Pertaining to inheritance laws
- dominantHaving superior influence
- recessiveMasked unless paired identically
- segregationForced separation by group
- heterozygoteOrganism with differing alleles
homozygote · chromosome · meiosis · transmission · offspring · codominance
inversion
Reversal of position
- haplotypeLinked genetic variants inherited together
- locusParticular position or place
- polymorphismMany forms, one interface
morph
Change form gradually
- phenotypeObservable characteristics of organism
- mimicryAdaptive resemblance to another
- wing patternDecorative arrangement on flight surfaces
color pattern · butterfly · plumage · ruffs · primrose · ant · polymorphic
natural selection
Differential reproductive success
- adaptationFitting to new conditions
- divergenceSeparation from common origin
- speciationFormation of distinct species
fitness · coevolution · selective pressure · maintenance · origin
Mendelian
Pertaining to inheritance laws
- dominantHaving superior influence
- recessiveMasked unless paired identically
- segregationForced separation by group
heterozygote · homozygote · chromosome · meiosis · transmission · offspring · codominance
- supergene enrichmentMineral concentration by descending water