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Question
Among lion, tiger and domestic cat, all three have the same number of 38 chromosomes, yet they have different appearances. How do you account for such differences ?
Solution
A specific number of chromosomes is present in each species. Nevertheless, the physical attributes, physiological functions, and behaviours that distinguish species are not solely derived from the number of chromosomes. An alternative explanation is that they are the result of genetic elements, or genes, that are located within the chromosomes. Despite the fact that lions and cats possess the same number of chromosomes (38), they differ in terms of body size, appearance, colouration, behaviour, and more. Genetic information contained in the DNA located on the chromosomes directly influences these distinctive characteristics of an organism.