The Dna Samples Of Gophers Tested - 1803 Words

Background The DNA samples of gophers tested are prime examples of evolution. There are several evolutionary processes that occurred with the species being study. Speciation occurred once a river causing their gene pools to diverge separated the gophers. This evolutionary occurrence represents allopathic speciation. Furthermore, once the species’ gene pool diverged the morphological species concept could be observed. The Geomys attwateri is slightly larger than the Geomys brevicep by 10 mm. During this evolutionary occurrence reproductive isolation may have occurred as well. Due to the species being isolated geologically, interbreeding no longer occurred separating the gene flow of each population. If these species were able to breed†¦show more content†¦Campbell) Although morphological observations help identify species they are not as accurate as testing the DNA of species with similar resemblance. The most accurate way to identify species is to extract their DNA and use bioi nformatics. To decipher if a species by its morphology can be suggested as a hypothesis, but the results of its DNA will identify the species accurately. Tissues samples can be taken from the species in question, and the DNA can be extracted from tissue. Once the DNA is extracted it can be amplified. DNA can be amplified by the PCR procedure, in which specific gene regions can be used as barcodes to identify the species. These specific regions are known as Cytochrome oxidase 1 and Cytochrome B. Once these regions are purified and amplified, the samples can be sequenced, and the species can be identified. These procedures can solve many mysteries and questions. The DNA sequencing of different species can identify where it falls on the phylogenetic tree and where the population separated to produce a new species. These procedures help us understand the evolution of ancestors to the present and the connection between each species. Two separate species with multiple similarities can be observed, and bioinformatics can help answer that question. Purpose There are several experiments that must be conducted before a species can be identified. The tissue samples of these organisms must be obtained, and their tissues must