The main selective pressure in this scenario is the fish population. Since the long-legged birds rely on fish as their primary food source, the decline in fish populations would directly affect their survival and reproductive success, creating a selective pressure on the bird population. The short-legged birds, which eat insects, would not be as impacted by the decline in fish.
Consider the following scenario:
A significant decline in fish populations occurs in the habitat of a semi-aquatic bird population. There are two groups of birds in the population that differ in leg length and diet. Long-legged birds eat fish, while short-legged birds eat insects. The insect population remains stable.
What is the main selective pressure in this scenario?
(1 point)
Responses
leg length
leg length
fish population
fish population
bird population
bird population
insect population
1 answer