7E Natural Selection

A new predatory of rabbits has been introduced within an ecosystem. This new predator runs faster than the native predators of rabbits. Which statement describes what will most likely occur in the rabbit population due to the introduction of the predator?

• The rabbits will mutate their genes and express genes that increase their speed

• Slower rabbits will develop stronger legs and pass this trait to their offspring

• Rabbits will mate and produce offspring with a different species that has faster runners

• Faster rabbits will survive and reproduce increasing the average speed of the rabbit population

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The aye-aye lemur is a mammal that feeds mostly on insect larvae that live inside trees. The aye-aye lemur has a specialized middle finger that is long and thin. The aye-aye lemur moves along a tree branch and taps the branch with its specialized finger. When the aye-aye lemur hears a difference in the echo, it will tear open the bark with its teeth until the insect tunnel is exposed. The aye-aye lemur then uses its specialized finger to reach the insect larvae and remove it. Which selective pressure most likely results in the development of the aye-aye lemur's special adaptation?

• Limited availability of water

• competing for mates

• large numbers of natural predators

• food sources that are hard to find

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The white cattail is a hybrid species of plant that is a result of the cross between the bread-leaved cattail and the narrow-leaved cattail. Over time, the white cattail has established itself in the wetlands of Midwestern states. Which of these explains the success of the white cattail?

• favorable genes from parental generations provide advantageous characteristics to the hybrid species

• hybridization produces offspring traits that allow different species to survive in extreme environments

• inherited traits passed on from parental generations make hybrid species more susceptible to disease

• hybrid species display more adaptations due to their reduced genetic diversity

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Adaptations that result from natural selection are expected to increase the fitness of an organism. In terms of natural selection, which of the following best describes fitness?

• being able to escape from predators

• being among the strongest organisms in a population

• being able to survive, find a mate, and produce offspring

• being able to survive long enough to reach the adult stage

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In the 1940s, the scientist J. B. S. Haldane linked many human red blood cell disorders with the tropical regions where malaria occurs. Haldane hypothesized that the widespread presence of these red blood cell disorders as well as traits that protect individuals from malaria were the result of natural selection. Haldane's hypothesis was later confirmed by the research of A. C. Allison. The resistance to malaria carried by individuals in areas where malaria is widespread is the result of -

• a vaccine against malaria

• the individuals' genetic composition

• antibiotic medications

• the individuals' behavior in avoiding those with the infection

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The table shows the survival rate of two types of beetles in the same environment over a period of three years. Which statement about the beetles in this environment is best supported by the data?

• green beetles are more fit for the environment than brown beetles are

• brown beetles undergo a greater number of unfavorable mutations than green beetles do

• green beetles have a greater gene frequency among their population than brown beetles

• brown beetles have a shorter life cycle than green beetles have

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A prey population consists of individuals with a variety of running speeds. The adaptation that allows some of these animals to run fast would be an example of natural selection if it helps them -

• survive and undergo mutations in their DNA

• lower the mortality rates of the population

• produce offspring that run at average speeds

• reproduce and increase the frequency of their genes in the population

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Nudibranchs are marine gastropods that lack shells. Many of these gastropods retain the foul-tasting poisons of their prey and secrete them when threatened. The bright coloration of nudibranchs warns predators to avoid them. Based on this information, how has adaptation allowed marine gastropods to be successful without a shell?

• they find enough food as they move through the marine environment

• they blend in with their environment to hide from their predators

• they are not attacked by most predators and are able to reproduce successfully

• they have bright colors that attract a mate

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In the European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), implantation of embryos after breeding is delayed. The deer breed in July or August but do not give birth until the following May or June. From summer to late December, the embryo rests in a state of dormancy as a 30-cell blastocyst. In late December or early January, the embryo sends a signal that causes the female to release hormones, allowing the embryo to continue to develop normally. Why is delayed implantation an advantageous adaptation for the European roe deer?

• delayed implantation allows the mother to continue to breed with other males

• without delayed implantation, the females would not be able to carry a pregnancy to full term

• delayed implantation enables the female to give birth to more fawns each year

• without delayed implantation, the fawns would be born in the winter when food is scarce and the weather is harsh

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Plants have developed many methods of seed dispersal. The table shows seeds of two different plants. How has the seed dispersal method developed by these plants given them a reproductive advantage?

• the method ensures that offspring will be dispersed and reduces competition for resources

• the method reduces the chance that herbivores will consume the seeds

• the method lengthens the life cycle of each of these plants

• the method reduces the plants' need for water and other nutrients

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