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Natural selection can operate on predator populations as well as on prey. Suppose that over time trees became covered in lichen and the proportion of light moths increased to nearly 100%. What is the most likely consequence for predator populations?  A. Bird populations will decrease, at least for a while.  B. Over time, birds with better eyesight will become more common.  C. Birds may change hunting strategies or seek other sources of food.  D. All of the above.

Question

Natural selection can operate on predator populations as well as on prey. Suppose that over time trees became covered in lichen and the proportion of light moths increased to nearly 100%. What is the most likely consequence for predator populations?  A. Bird populations will decrease, at least for a while.  B. Over time, birds with better eyesight will become more common.  C. Birds may change hunting strategies or seek other sources of food.  D. All of the above.

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Solution

D. All of the above.

This is because:

A. Bird populations may decrease, at least for a while, due to the difficulty in finding their prey. The light moths are now camouflaged against the lichen-covered trees, making them harder to spot.

B. Over time, birds with better eyesight could become more common. This is an example of natural selection. Birds that can spot the camouflaged moths will be more successful hunters and are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their good eyesight to their offspring.

C. Birds may change hunting strategies or seek other sources of food. If the moths are too hard to find, the birds may need to adapt their hunting strategies, such as hunting at different times of day or in different locations. Alternatively, they may start eating other types of food if they can't find enough moths.

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Similar Questions

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