If a trait A exists in 10% of a population of an assexually reproducing species and a trait B exists in 60%?

Question

of the same population, which trait is likely to have arisen earlier? please explain.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

Trait B. Asexually reproducing species reproduce by cell division creating two identical organisms (same DNA). If a trait is found in only some members of a species then it originally occurred due to a random mutation. This random mutation then is passed down to future generations every time the organism with the trait replicates itself. Thus, if 60% of a population contains this trait, it means that it's members have been replicating themselves for a longer period of time than those in the population where the trait is seen in only 10% of the population.

Source(s):

Neuroscientist

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Asker's Comment:

thnks. was helpful.

Answer 2

Trait B has arisen earlier. Since B trait population is much higher than A trait, B trait which is the result of mutation of other traits has taken ground and pervaded most of the population. Compared with the B trait, A trait is new and taking shape and shall take some more time to pervade through the majority of the population.

Answer 3

Trait B coz it simply exists in more proportions & thus must have existed from before hand whereas Trait A is a new change & is slowly making its way :)