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?

Question

(1 point)

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

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

Answer 1

Reducing low-growing plants in an area would likely impact tortoises differently based on their neck extension abilities. Tortoises that can extend their necks a long distance would have a better advantage in reaching food sources that are more accessible due to their ability to reach higher vegetation. In contrast, tortoises that can only extend their necks a short distance would struggle to find food.

Therefore, the most logical outcome is:

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

This is because those with long necks would be more successful in foraging and surviving in an environment where low-growing plants are reduced.