The main selective pressure in this scenario is the fish population. The decline in fish populations affects the long-legged birds that rely on fish for food, while the short-legged birds that eat insects are not impacted by this change since the insect population remains stable. Therefore, the availability of food (fish in this case) serves as the selective pressure influencing the survival and reproduction of the bird populations based on their dietary habits.
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 insect population insect population fish population fish population leg length leg length bird population
1 answer