Question

The image describes four finch species that live in an isolated ecosystem.

image 514b4d2b48e84956b5fc40170b479240

A disease is introduced into the ecosystem that kills all of the cactus plants. Which of the following best predicts the effects on the finches?

A.
The vegetarian finches and warbler finches will be affected because they will lose some of their food sources, but they will survive because their diet includes a variety of foods. The large ground finches will not be affected because their food sources are not affected. The cactus finches will not survive because they will lose their only food sources.

B.
The warbler finches will be affected because they will lose some of their food sources, but they will survive because their diet includes a variety of foods. The cactus finches will not be affected because their food sources are not affected. The vegetarian finches and the large ground finches will not survive because they will lose their only food sources.

C.
The large ground finches and vegetarian finches will be affected because they will lose some of the their food sources, but they will survive because their diet includes a variety of foods. The warbler finches will not be affected because their food sources are not affected. The cactus finches will not survive because they will lose their only food sources.

D.
The cactus finches will be affected because they will lose some of their food sources, but they will survive because their diet includes a variety of foods. The large ground finches and the vegetarian finches will not be affected because their food sources are not affected. The warbler finches will not survive because they will lose their only food sources.

Answer 1

The best prediction for the effects on the finches after the cactus plants are killed by the disease can be deduced from the information provided about their diets.

Given that:

- Cactus finches rely on cactus plants as their primary food source, they will be heavily impacted and are likely to not survive without access to these plants.
- Vegetarian finches and large ground finches likely have a more varied diet, so while they will be affected by the loss of cactus plants, they may still find other food sources to survive.
- Warbler finches might also have a varied diet as part of their adaptation, potentially allowing them to cope with the loss of cactus plants as well.

Now, let’s analyze the options:

A. This option correctly identifies that the cactus finches will not survive due to the loss of their only food source. It also recognizes the potential resilience of the vegetarian and large ground finches.

B. This option incorrectly states that the cactus finches will not be affected, when they are actually the most affected.

C. This option correctly identifies that cactus finches will not survive, and it also states that the large ground finches and vegetarian finches are more resilient due to their varied diets.

D. This option inaccurately states that the cactus finches will survive and says the warbler finches will not, contrary to the known information about their diets.

Therefore, **option A** is the best answer:

A. The vegetarian finches and warbler finches will be affected because they will lose some of their food sources, but they will survive because their diet includes a variety of foods. The large ground finches will not be affected because their food sources are not affected. The cactus finches will not survive because they will lose their only food sources.