Question
In a particular forest, a population of rabbits exhibits variation in fur color, which affects their ability to camouflage and avoid predators. Additionally, the rabbits have two different digestive efficiencies: some can efficiently digest a specific type of high-nutrient grass (Type A), while others cannot and must rely on a less nutritious type of grass (Type B). During a drought, the high-nutrient grass (Type A) becomes scarce, while the less nutritious grass (Type B) remains relatively available.
If the drought persists for several years, what will most likely happen to the rabbit population?
The rabbits that can digest Type B grass will struggle to survive.
The rabbits that can digest Type A grass will continue to survive.
The rabbits that can digest Type A grass will decrease in numbers.
The rabbits that can digest Type B grass will evolve into a new species.
If the drought persists for several years, what will most likely happen to the rabbit population?
The rabbits that can digest Type B grass will struggle to survive.
The rabbits that can digest Type A grass will continue to survive.
The rabbits that can digest Type A grass will decrease in numbers.
The rabbits that can digest Type B grass will evolve into a new species.
Answers
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
Given the scenario described, during a prolonged drought where the high-nutrient grass (Type A) becomes scarce, the rabbits that can only digest Type A grass will likely face significant challenges. They will struggle to find food, leading to a decrease in their population.
On the other hand, the rabbits that can efficiently digest the less nutritious grass (Type B) will be at an advantage, as this type of grass remains relatively available. Therefore, they are more likely to survive and reproduce during the drought conditions.
With these points in mind, the most likely outcome for the rabbit population would be:
**The rabbits that can digest Type A grass will decrease in numbers.**
This outcome reflects the competitive disadvantage of the Type A grass digesters in the face of limited resources due to the drought, while the Type B digesters can thrive on the remaining available food source.
On the other hand, the rabbits that can efficiently digest the less nutritious grass (Type B) will be at an advantage, as this type of grass remains relatively available. Therefore, they are more likely to survive and reproduce during the drought conditions.
With these points in mind, the most likely outcome for the rabbit population would be:
**The rabbits that can digest Type A grass will decrease in numbers.**
This outcome reflects the competitive disadvantage of the Type A grass digesters in the face of limited resources due to the drought, while the Type B digesters can thrive on the remaining available food source.