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Adaptation Essay
Introductory Biology Laboratory (BIOL 101L)
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Adaptation Essay: Effects of algae bloom on Clams
Nancy Ayala BIOL 101L - 406 TA Lauren Harrell October 20, 2020
I pledge that I have neither given nor received unauthorized assistance on this assignment and it is entirely my own creative work - Nancy Ayala
Adaptation and natural selection are known as products of genetic variation or mutations in a population. When the environment changes, only the fittest characteristics have a higher rate of survival and when this occurs, reproductive rates also increase. This is how species can pass on their genes. Over time, as a result, the favored surviving phenotype will become more present in a population that causes a change in allele frequency and gene pool as well. We will examine the process of natural selection in clams, in a hypothetical scenario in which the environment suddenly changes as algae blooms appear. Clams are of the Bivalvia class, this means they are made up of 2 halves and valves. They live in the ocean and freshwater under sediment. They use their feet to dig and stay hidden (from predators). Clams have a mantle that secretes the outer shell, this allows growth and protection for the softer layer of their body. When their shells open because of muscle relaxation, water can enter and it is filtered through a siphon and gill (these act as a pathway for feeding and respiration) and enters the mouth. Water and waste are then excreted through another siphon. The radula is not present in clams. Variations of clams are seen in size (usually ranging from 2-3 inches), shell coloration and lines, and size of mantle and foot. In a hypothetical scenario where the environment has sudden algae blooms due to the runoff of fertilizer: the water will decrease in oxygen, sunlight exposure, and nutrients. If the environment does not change, clams will adapt to the new environment through mutations and genetic variation already present in the population. Since algae bloom decreases oxygen in water, clams will not be able to receive as much oxygen. This means they will not be able to respirate properly or at all. This will cause some populations of clams to die off, thus, preventing them from passing on their genes to offspring. However, mutated clams that have more than 2 siphons and gills will be able to overcome death since they will easily and efficiently respirate and filter
Works Cited Stegenga, Barbara. Laboratory Exercises for Biology 101 . Fall 2020-Spring 2021 ed., Hayden-McNeil Publishing.
Adaptation Essay
Course: Introductory Biology Laboratory (BIOL 101L)
University: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
