Question
How would the running speed of the predator affect the diversity of the chipmunk population and the shape of the graph after several generations?
Question 5 options:
The graph would dip dramatically in the middle, as there would be an increase in chipmunk populations at both running extremes.
The graph would remain unchanged, as the speed of the predator would not affect the number or types of chipmunks in this population.
The graph would shift to the left, as chipmunks that can run less than 8.5 miles per hour would survive longer to reproduce.
The graph would shift to the right, as chipmunks that can run over 8.5 miles per hour would survive longer to reproduce.
Question 5 options:
The graph would dip dramatically in the middle, as there would be an increase in chipmunk populations at both running extremes.
The graph would remain unchanged, as the speed of the predator would not affect the number or types of chipmunks in this population.
The graph would shift to the left, as chipmunks that can run less than 8.5 miles per hour would survive longer to reproduce.
The graph would shift to the right, as chipmunks that can run over 8.5 miles per hour would survive longer to reproduce.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
To analyze how the running speed of a predator affects the diversity of the chipmunk population and the resulting graph shape over generations, we should consider natural selection.
If the predator's speed is higher than the running speed of the chipmunks, chipmunks that can run faster may have a better chance of survival. This selective pressure would favor the chipmunks with higher running speeds.
Now let's examine the options:
1. **The graph would dip dramatically in the middle, as there would be an increase in chipmunk populations at both running extremes.**
- This scenario suggests that both low and high-speed chipmunks would thrive, which may happen if the predator isn't efficient at catching them.
2. **The graph would remain unchanged, as the speed of the predator would not affect the number or types of chipmunks in this population.**
- This option is unlikely, as changes in predator speed typically exert selective pressure on prey populations.
3. **The graph would shift to the left, as chipmunks that can run less than 8.5 miles per hour would survive longer to reproduce.**
- This would contradict the idea that faster speeds help avoid predation. If the predator is fast, slower chipmunks would face more danger and thus would be less likely to survive.
4. **The graph would shift to the right, as chipmunks that can run over 8.5 miles per hour would survive longer to reproduce.**
- This option makes sense if the predator is fast, as faster chipmunks would have a better chance of escaping and thus would increase in population over time.
Given this reasoning, the most appropriate conclusion based on the relationship between predator speed and chipmunk survival would be:
**The graph would shift to the right, as chipmunks that can run over 8.5 miles per hour would survive longer to reproduce.**
If the predator's speed is higher than the running speed of the chipmunks, chipmunks that can run faster may have a better chance of survival. This selective pressure would favor the chipmunks with higher running speeds.
Now let's examine the options:
1. **The graph would dip dramatically in the middle, as there would be an increase in chipmunk populations at both running extremes.**
- This scenario suggests that both low and high-speed chipmunks would thrive, which may happen if the predator isn't efficient at catching them.
2. **The graph would remain unchanged, as the speed of the predator would not affect the number or types of chipmunks in this population.**
- This option is unlikely, as changes in predator speed typically exert selective pressure on prey populations.
3. **The graph would shift to the left, as chipmunks that can run less than 8.5 miles per hour would survive longer to reproduce.**
- This would contradict the idea that faster speeds help avoid predation. If the predator is fast, slower chipmunks would face more danger and thus would be less likely to survive.
4. **The graph would shift to the right, as chipmunks that can run over 8.5 miles per hour would survive longer to reproduce.**
- This option makes sense if the predator is fast, as faster chipmunks would have a better chance of escaping and thus would increase in population over time.
Given this reasoning, the most appropriate conclusion based on the relationship between predator speed and chipmunk survival would be:
**The graph would shift to the right, as chipmunks that can run over 8.5 miles per hour would survive longer to reproduce.**