Question

to $0.5\\,^{\circ}\text{c}$ above the normal ocean temperature. the corals pieces that survived the increased temper
in the tank would be separated and allowed to grow into different colonies. when these new colonies
grown from those coral pieces grown in warmer water reached sufficient size, they would be transferr
natural reefs.

which of the following statements predicts the most likely outcome of the revised experiment?

\boxed{a} the increased temperature will induce corals to create new genes, which will
allow the corals to withstand future increases in ocean temperature.

\boxed{b} stress from the increased temperature will cause corals to evolve into a new
species that can tolerate future increases in ocean temperature.

\boxed{c} after being transferred to the natural reef, the new colonies of corals will return
to their previous heat tolerance level and will not survive future increases in
ocean temperature.

\boxed{d} the new colonies of corals are artificially selected for tolerating an increased
temperature, so they will be better adapted to moderate future increases in
ocean temperature.

Explanation:

• Option A: Corals don't "create new genes" in response to temperature; genetic changes occur over generations via mutation/selection, not induced gene creation. Eliminate A.
• Option B: Evolving into a new species takes long (many generations) and this experiment involves short - term selection of surviving corals, not speciation. Eliminate B.
• Option C: The corals that survived the warmer water were selected for heat tolerance. If they were adapted (via artificial selection) to warmer temps, they shouldn't revert quickly. Eliminate C.
• Option D: The experiment involves selecting corals that survived warmer water (artificial selection for heat tolerance). These new colonies, having this selected trait, should be better adapted to moderate future ocean temp increases. This matches the process of artificial selection and the expected outcome.

Answer:

D. The new colonies of corals are artificially selected for tolerating an increased temperature, so they will be better adapted to moderate future increases in ocean temperature.