Question

Imagine a major volcanic eruption has dramatically changed the environment on an island such that the average temperature and available sunlight are much lower. Of the following species present on that island, which species is most likely to adapt and evolve to this change instead of going extinct?(1 point)
Responses

a reptile species with a high reproduction rate and very similar individuals.
a reptile species with a high reproduction rate and very similar individuals.

a large mammal species with a low reproduction rate and specific food needs.
a large mammal species with a low reproduction rate and specific food needs.

an insect species with a high reproduction rates and a significant mutation rate
an insect species with a high reproduction rates and a significant mutation rate

a bird species with specific nesting requirements that only feeds on one type of seed.

1 answer

The species most likely to adapt and evolve to changes in the environment instead of going extinct is an insect species with a high reproduction rate and a significant mutation rate.

Insects that reproduce quickly can generate numerous offspring, increasing the chance of some individuals possessing traits that may help them survive in the new environmental conditions. Additionally, a significant mutation rate allows for greater genetic diversity, providing more opportunities for beneficial adaptations to arise in response to the drastically changed conditions on the island (e.g., lower temperatures and reduced sunlight).

In contrast, the other species (the large mammals and the birds) either have low reproduction rates, specific food needs, or specific habitat requirements that make it more difficult for them to adapt to rapid environmental changes.