The main selective pressure in this scenario is the fish population. The decline in fish populations directly affects the long-legged birds that rely on fish as their food source, which may lead to a decrease in their survival and reproductive success. In contrast, the short-legged birds that eat insects are not affected by the decline in fish. Therefore, the fish population is the key selective pressure in this ecological scenario.
Consider the following scenario: A significant decline in fish populations occurs in the habitat of a semi-aquatic bird population. There are two groups of birds in the population that differ in leg length and diet. Long-legged birds eat fish, while short-legged birds eat insects. The insect population remains stable. What is the main selective pressure in this scenario? (1 point) Responses leg length leg length insect population insect population bird population bird population fish population fish population.
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