In an ecosystem where most flowers are long and bell-shaped, there are two varieties of hummingbird: birds with short beaks and birds with long beaks. What is the most likely hummingbird population composition?

Question

1. only short-beaked hummingbirds
2. only long-beaked hummingbirds
3. more long-beaked hummingbirds
4. more short-beaked hummingbirds

Answer 1

In an ecosystem where most flowers are long and bell-shaped, the most advantageous trait for hummingbirds would be a long beak, as it would allow them to access nectar more effectively. Therefore, over time, natural selection would favor long-beaked hummingbirds, leading to better access to food resources and increasing their reproductive success.

Thus, the most likely hummingbird population composition would be:

3. more long-beaked hummingbirds.