Data from an insect species in forest is presented below. This species of insect has three phenotypes in this environment: brown, green, and beige. A fire occurred in Generation 3, devastating population sizes. Analyze the data in the table below. Which species showed evidence of a favorable adaptation following the fire?
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beige
green
brown
1 answer
Based on the data provided, it appears that the beige phenotype showed evidence of a favorable adaptation following the fire. The population size of the beige phenotype increased from Generation 2 to Generation 4, indicating that this phenotype was able to cope with the effects of the fire and potentially outcompete the other phenotypes in the post-fire environment. In contrast, the population sizes of the green and brown phenotypes decreased following the fire, suggesting that these phenotypes may have been less well-adapted to the changed conditions. Overall, the data suggest that the beige phenotype may have had traits that were advantageous in the post-fire environment, allowing it to thrive and increase in population size.
1 answer