Question

Examine the illustrations of the two bird feet shown below. In what types of environments would such feet have a selective advantage? (SC.912.L.15.13)
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1 point
Captionless Image
pine and fir forests
water and wetlands
mountains and rocky cliffs
deserts and deciduous forests

Answer 1

To determine the selective advantages of the bird feet shown in the illustrations, we need to consider the environments in which these birds likely live and how their foot structure aids in survival and foraging.

1. **Water and Wetlands:** If one of the bird feet is webbed or features long toes adapted for wading, it would be well-suited for environments like rivers, lakes, and marshes. Such adaptations allow birds to move through water efficiently and hunt for aquatic prey.

2. **Mountains and Rocky Cliffs:** If the other bird foot has strong, gripping claws, it would be advantageous in rocky terrains and mountainous areas, enabling birds to perch securely on steep surfaces and navigate rugged landscapes.

Given these analyses, the two types of environments corresponding to the selective advantages of the bird feet in the illustrations could be:

- **Water and Wetlands:** for webbed or wading feet.
- **Mountains and Rocky Cliffs:** for gripping or clawed feet.

So, depending on which type of bird foot you were examining, they would have a selective advantage in either water and wetlands or mountains and rocky cliffs. If you provide more specific descriptions of the feet, a more definitive answer can be given.