Question
Fire ants are originally from South America. The map shows how fire ant populations grew and expanded since being introduced in the United States in the early 1900s.
image
In the areas shown on the map, which environmental factor should scientists research to find what was MOST different for fire ants compared to other ant populations?
A.
available water resources in the area
B.
average daily temperatures in the area
C.
number of predators for each population
D.
amount space available to each population
image
In the areas shown on the map, which environmental factor should scientists research to find what was MOST different for fire ants compared to other ant populations?
A.
available water resources in the area
B.
average daily temperatures in the area
C.
number of predators for each population
D.
amount space available to each population
Answers
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
To determine what environmental factor might be most different for fire ants compared to other ant populations, scientists should focus on factors that could influence the establishment and expansion of the species in new areas.
Among the options provided, **B. average daily temperatures in the area** is likely the most relevant factor to research. Fire ants are known to thrive in warmer climates, and average daily temperatures may have a significant impact on their ability to survive and reproduce in different environments compared to other ant populations that may be more adapted to cooler climates.
While available water resources, number of predators, and space availability are all important factors, temperature is a critical environmental aspect that specifically affects fire ants’ life cycles and behavior, especially given their origin in South America.
Among the options provided, **B. average daily temperatures in the area** is likely the most relevant factor to research. Fire ants are known to thrive in warmer climates, and average daily temperatures may have a significant impact on their ability to survive and reproduce in different environments compared to other ant populations that may be more adapted to cooler climates.
While available water resources, number of predators, and space availability are all important factors, temperature is a critical environmental aspect that specifically affects fire ants’ life cycles and behavior, especially given their origin in South America.