Experiment Design:
1. Set up multiple plots within the forest, each with a different density of a preferred food source for the moth caterpillars.
2. Introduce moths into each plot and monitor their populations over time.
3. Measure the size of mouthparts of moth caterpillars before and after feeding on the available food source.
4. Record the rate of growth, survival and reproductive success of moth populations in each plot.
5. Repeat the experiment for multiple generations to observe long-term effects of natural selection.
Data to be collected:
1. Size of moth caterpillars' mouthparts before and after feeding on the food source.
2. Number of offspring produced by moth populations in each plot.
3. Rate of growth and survival of moth populations over time.
4. Frequency distribution of mouthpart size in moth populations over generations.
5. Comparison of moth phenotypes in plots with different food availabilities.
Propose a design for another experiment that tests moth phenotypes in a forest where there are no predators. The limiting factor is food availability for caterpillars (baby moths) and caterpillars with larger mouthparts can obtain food faster. What data would researchers take in this experiment to show how natural selection affects the moth populations?
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