Question
page 13 of 13 Modeling Evolution Quick Check 3 of 53 of 5 Items 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 bird species with specific nesting requirements that only feeds on one type of seed. a bird species with specific nesting requirements that only feeds on one type of seed. 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 Skip to navigation
Answers
GPT-4o mini
In the scenario described, the species most likely to adapt and evolve to the changed conditions due to a major volcanic eruption (resulting in lower average temperature and sunlight) would be **an insect species with a high reproduction rate and a significant mutation rate**.
Here's the reasoning:
- **High Reproduction Rate**: Species that reproduce quickly can generate more offspring in a shorter time frame, which increases the chances of some individuals having traits that may be advantageous in the new environment. This leads to faster evolutionary responses to changes.
- **Significant Mutation Rate**: Higher mutation rates can introduce genetic variation more rapidly, providing more opportunities for adaptation to the changing environment. Variability in traits can allow some individuals to survive under the new conditions better than others.
In contrast, the other species listed either have low reproduction rates, specific habitat or dietary needs that may not be met in the new environment, or lack the same capacity for rapid adaptation. Therefore, the insect species would have the best chance of adapting and surviving.
Here's the reasoning:
- **High Reproduction Rate**: Species that reproduce quickly can generate more offspring in a shorter time frame, which increases the chances of some individuals having traits that may be advantageous in the new environment. This leads to faster evolutionary responses to changes.
- **Significant Mutation Rate**: Higher mutation rates can introduce genetic variation more rapidly, providing more opportunities for adaptation to the changing environment. Variability in traits can allow some individuals to survive under the new conditions better than others.
In contrast, the other species listed either have low reproduction rates, specific habitat or dietary needs that may not be met in the new environment, or lack the same capacity for rapid adaptation. Therefore, the insect species would have the best chance of adapting and surviving.