Question

Ecotypes is a type of species in which environmentally induced variations are
A. Temporary
B. Genetically fixed
C. Genetically not related
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: An ecotype or ecospecies is genetically distinct within a species, which genotypically adapted to the specific environmental conditions. Genetically adapted ecospecies are able to produce more offspring with better quality. Due to adaptation the ecotype variant exhibits phenotypic differences. Geographic variation plays an important role in imposing phenotypic and genetic variation in the species. This phenomenon is known as cline.

Complete explanation:
Option A temporary: It is already known that ecotypes adapt according to the environment. The individuals that are more successful in adapting the environment carry genes that are responsible for their success in that environment to the next generation. The offspring of the individuals gets the success gene from its mother. Hence, the environmentally induced variation is not temporary. It is passed through generations.
Option A is incorrect.
Option B genetically fixed: The adaptations induced by the environment in the ecospecies is genetically fixed and passed from one generation to another. This option is correct.
Option B is correct.
Option C Genetically not related: It is already known that ecotypes adapt according to the environment and those adaptations are genetically fixed. This option is wrong.
Option C is incorrect.
Option D None of the above: This option cannot be selected because the right answer i.e., genetically fixed is given in the options.
Option D is incorrect.

Therefore, Option B. Genetically fixed is the correct answer.

Note:
The variation in ecotypes is due to the ability of individuals to respond differently to environmental changes. All individuals respond to the changes in the environment. For example, plants growing in areas with high salinity develop some sort of tolerance to it. The saline tolerance is fixed in their gene and passed on to the next generation. Ecotypes are greatly influenced when separated by great spatial distances. This is mainly due to hybridization where different but adjacent varieties of the same species interbreed and overcoming local selection.