How would reducing low-growing plants from an area impact a population of tortoises with two varieties of neck extension ability: short and long distance? (1 point)

Question

The proportion of tortoises that could only extend their necks a short distance would increase.

The proportion of tortoises with the ability to extend their necks a long distance would increase.

The variety of tortoises that could only extend their necks a short distance would go extinct.

The variety of tortoises with the ability to extend their necks a long distance would go extinct.

Answer 1

Reducing low-growing plants from an area would primarily impact the food availability for tortoises. Tortoises that can extend their necks a long distance would have a greater advantage in reaching food sources that are higher off the ground, while those that can only extend their necks a short distance would struggle to find sufficient food.

Given this context, the most likely outcome is:

The proportion of tortoises with the ability to extend their necks a long distance would increase.

This is because they would be better adapted to the environment where food sources are limited to higher plants, allowing them to thrive and reproduce more successfully than the short-necked variety.