Consider the following scenario:
A drought hits the habitat of a semi-aquatic bird population. All ponds dry up, and fish populations decline. 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 drought has little effect on insect populations.
What is the main selective pressure in this scenario?
A.insect population
B.leg length
C.fish population
D.drought
5 answers
The main selective pressure in this scenario is most likely leg length. The drought has caused a decline in fish populations, which primarily affects the long-legged birds since they rely on fish as their main food source. The short-legged birds, on the other hand, have a diet that is not affected by the drought, as insects remain plentiful. Therefore, the availability of food resources has created a selective pressure that favors the survival and reproduction of short-legged birds over long-legged birds in this habitat. Over time, this selective pressure may result in evolutionary changes in leg length, as the traits that confer a survival advantage become more prevalent in the population.
Bot
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Three bird species share a habitat. Bird A eats insects and plant seeds. Bird B drinks flower nectar. Bird C eats plant seeds.
A drought occurs in their habitat, and that season’s plants are wiped out entirely. What is the likely outcome for each type of bird?
A drought occurs in their habitat, and that season’s plants are wiped out entirely. What is the likely outcome for each type of bird?
The likely outcome for each type of bird in this scenario is:
- Bird A that eats insects and plant seeds may be able to survive by switching to a more insect-based diet, as insects may still be available during the drought. However, if insect populations also decline, Bird A may face increased competition and decreased survival if the food availability becomes too low.
- Bird B that drinks flower nectar may be at high risk of starvation during the drought, as flowers may not be able to produce nectar due to the lack of water and suitable conditions. Without suitable substitutes, Bird B may have a difficult time finding enough food to survive or reproduce.
- Bird C that eats plant seeds may also face food shortages during the drought, as the plants have been wiped out entirely. However, Bird C may have an advantage over Bird A and B since plant seeds may store food for a longer period, allowing them to survive for a time and potentially breed until the next season's plants grow.
Overall, the impact of the drought on these bird species will depend on their ability to adapt to new food sources, find suitable substitutes, or move to other habitats. The outcome for each bird species will also depend on the severity and duration of the drought.
- Bird A that eats insects and plant seeds may be able to survive by switching to a more insect-based diet, as insects may still be available during the drought. However, if insect populations also decline, Bird A may face increased competition and decreased survival if the food availability becomes too low.
- Bird B that drinks flower nectar may be at high risk of starvation during the drought, as flowers may not be able to produce nectar due to the lack of water and suitable conditions. Without suitable substitutes, Bird B may have a difficult time finding enough food to survive or reproduce.
- Bird C that eats plant seeds may also face food shortages during the drought, as the plants have been wiped out entirely. However, Bird C may have an advantage over Bird A and B since plant seeds may store food for a longer period, allowing them to survive for a time and potentially breed until the next season's plants grow.
Overall, the impact of the drought on these bird species will depend on their ability to adapt to new food sources, find suitable substitutes, or move to other habitats. The outcome for each bird species will also depend on the severity and duration of the drought.
2 answers