A non-invasive species that fits well into existing food chains is introduced to an ecosystem. What might happen to the ecosystem’s stability?(1 point)

Question

Responses

The ecosystem would have no change.
The ecosystem would have no change.

The ecosystem would have decreased stability.
The ecosystem would have decreased stability.

The ecosystem would collapse.
The ecosystem would collapse.

The ecosystem would have increased stability.

Answer 1

The most likely response is: The ecosystem would have decreased stability.

Even if a non-invasive species fits well into existing food chains, its introduction can lead to a disruption in the balance of the ecosystem. This can occur through competition for resources, changes in predator-prey dynamics, or the introduction of diseases. Overall, these factors can lead to decreased stability of the ecosystem.

Answer 2

What role do mutations play in the evolution of a species?(1 point)
Responses

They introduce new, inheritable genetic variations.
They introduce new, inheritable genetic variations.

They remove genetic diversity in a species.
They remove genetic diversity in a species.

They prevent genetic inheritance of traits.
They prevent genetic inheritance of traits.

They harm organisms and hinder adaptations.

Answer 3

The correct response is: They introduce new, inheritable genetic variations.

Mutations are the primary source of genetic variation within a population, and they can lead to new traits that may be passed on to future generations. This genetic diversity is crucial for the process of evolution, allowing populations to adapt to changing environments.

Answer 4

A population of beetles has a range of shell colors from light green to black. After several generation in a dark shaded forest, the majority of beetles observed are dark brown or black. How does this scenario demonstrate evolution through advantageous traits?(1 point)
Responses

Dark-shelled beetles reproduce more overall.
Dark-shelled beetles reproduce more overall.

Light-shelled beetles reproduced at a higher rate.
Light-shelled beetles reproduced at a higher rate.

Lighter shells reflect sunlight better.
Lighter shells reflect sunlight better.

Darker shells are harder for predators to see.

Answer 5

The correct response is: Darker shells are harder for predators to see.

In this scenario, the darker-shelled beetles have a survival advantage in a dark shaded forest because they are less visible to predators. This advantage leads to higher survival rates and greater reproductive success for the dark-shelled beetles, thereby demonstrating evolution through advantageous traits. Over time, the population shifts towards more dark-shelled individuals as these traits are passed on to future generations.

Answer 6

Individuals in a population of beetles that can digest an invasive species of plant survive better during a food shortage than those that cannot. Over time, what evolutionary outcome would you expect?(1 point)
Responses

The beetles will eventually lose the ability to digest the invasive species.
The beetles will eventually lose the ability to digest the invasive species.

Beetles that digest the invasive species will decrease in number.
Beetles that digest the invasive species will decrease in number.

Beetles that can digest the plant will increase in the population.
Beetles that can digest the plant will increase in the population.

Beetles that cannot digest the plant will adapt to start digesting it.

Answer 7

The correct response is: Beetles that can digest the plant will increase in the population.

Since individuals that can digest the invasive species have a survival advantage during food shortages, they are more likely to survive and reproduce. Over time, this will lead to an increase in the number of beetles with the ability to digest that invasive plant, as these advantageous traits are passed on to future generations.

Answer 8

Which mechanism selects for traits by random chance?(1 point)
Responses

gene flow
gene flow

natural selection
natural selection

genetic drift
genetic drift

evolution

Answer 9

The correct response is: genetic drift.

Genetic drift is a mechanism of evolution that involves random changes in allele frequencies within a population, which can lead to the selection of traits by chance rather than by the adaptive advantages. This can have a more significant effect in small populations where random events can disproportionately affect the gene pool.

Answer 10

A new species of coral has been discovered in a region warmed by volcanic activity over the past several decades. Which explanation best describes how environmental changes may have contributed to the emergence of this new species?(1 point)
Responses

Warmer waters may have selected for a species that thrived in the new environment.
Warmer waters may have selected for a species that thrived in the new environment.

The heat from volcanic activity could have killed existing coral species.
The heat from volcanic activity could have killed existing coral species.

The volcanic activity decreased the temperature in another region and the coral moved.
The volcanic activity decreased the temperature in another region and the coral moved.

Warmer waters caused predators to arrive, allowing the coral to populate the region.

Answer 11

The correct response is: Warmer waters may have selected for a species that thrived in the new environment.

Environmental changes, such as increased water temperatures due to volcanic activity, can create conditions that favor certain traits in organisms. In this case, the new species of coral may have developed traits that allow it to survive and thrive in the warmer waters, leading to its emergence as a distinct species adapted to those specific environmental conditions.