Population Variations: Survival Advantage

Imagine a population of beetles where some have green shells and others have brown shells. The environment they live in has a lot of green vegetation. How might the color variation affect their survival when a forest fire turns much of the vegetation to ash?

• The green-shelled beetles will be more likely to survive because they blend in with the ash.

• The brown-shelled beetles will be more likely to survive because they blend in better with the ash-covered ground.

• Both types of beetles will survive equally because shell color does not affect survival.

• The beetles' survival will depend only on food availability, not color.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Consider a population of rabbits, some of which have developed longer legs than others due to genetic variations. How might this trait be advantageous if the environment gradually becomes more flooded?

• Longer-legged rabbits can wade through water more easily, escaping predators.

• Shorter-legged rabbits are better at hiding from predators in small burrows.

• Longer legs make it harder for rabbits to find food.

• There is no advantage as all rabbits swim equally well.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

A population of birds lives in an area where the temperature is gradually decreasing. Some birds have developed thicker feathers. How does this variation affect their survival chances?

• Thicker feathers impair flight, reducing survival chances.

• Thicker feathers provide better insulation, increasing survival in colder weather.

• Feather thickness does not affect survival as birds can seek shelter.

• Birds with thinner feathers can fly to warmer areas more easily.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

In a fish population in a rapidly warming lake, some fish have developed a higher tolerance to temperature changes. What could be the strategic advantage of this genetic variation?

• These fish can survive in a wider range of temperatures.

• These fish are more likely to be caught by fishermen.

• Temperature tolerance does not affect fish survival.

• These fish require more oxygen which is less available in warmer water.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

A population of plants in a desert environment shows variation in root length. Some have longer roots than others. How might this trait influence their survival as the availability of water decreases?

• Plants with shorter roots can better withstand wind.

• Plants with longer roots can access deeper water sources.

• Longer roots make the plants more susceptible to diseases.

• Root length has no impact on water access.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Imagine a population of insects where some can digest a new type of pesticide while others cannot. How does this ability affect the population as pesticide use increases?

• Insects that cannot digest the pesticide will become more common.

• Digesting the pesticide gives no particular advantage or disadvantage.

• Insects that can digest the pesticide are more likely to survive and reproduce.

• All insects will eventually die out due to increased pesticide use.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

Consider a population of squirrels in an urban area where some have developed the ability to open garbage bins. How might this trait benefit these squirrels as natural food sources become scarcer?

• It allows them to access a consistent and varied food supply.

• It makes them more likely to be noticed and captured by humans.

• It has no impact as squirrels primarily feed on natural sources.

• It leads to increased competition among squirrels.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

A population of moths exhibits two color forms: light and dark. The industrial activities nearby have darkened the tree barks with soot. How might this environmental change affect the survival of the different color forms?

• Dark-colored moths will be more visible and thus more likely to be preyed upon.

• Light-colored moths will be more visible against the darkened barks, increasing predation.

• Both color forms will be equally affected as predators are colorblind.

• The color of the moths has no impact on their survival.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking