A biologist counts 150 plants in a genetic diversity study and identifies 30 distinct genotypes. If she samples 10 additional plants and finds that 4 of them are genetically identical to previously recorded genotypes, how many new unique genotypes could she potentially discover in the new sample?

Sun, 03 May 2026 17:15:16 +0000

Title: Unlocking Genetic Diversity: How a Plant Study Expands Understanding Through New Samples In a meticulous genetic diversity study, a biologist initially documented 150 plants and identified 30 distinct genotypes—a key indicator of genetic richness within a population. This discovery provides valuable insights into ecosystem resilience, evolutionary potential, and conservation priorities. But what happens when researchers expand their sampling? Recently, the biologist sampled 10 additional plants from the same habitat. Among these, 4 genetically matched previously recorded genotypes, meaning they were duplicates or closely related to those already cataloged. This finding highlights the value of replication in sample design while raising an important question: How many new, potentially unique genotypes might emerge from this fresh sample? ### Understanding Genetic Diversity and Sampling Dynamics