Question

hummingbirds thrive in warm, moist climates, and their primary source of food is nectar from flowering plants. a three - year drought is expected in an ecosystem. how will this most likely affect the hummingbird population in that ecosystem?
a the hummingbirds will increase their reproductive rate in order to ensure enough individuals survive.

b the hummingbirds will decrease their reproductive rate in order to decrease genetic diversity within the population.

c the hummingbirds will immediately adapt to eat new food sources, increasing the overall survival rate of the population.

d the hummingbirds will struggle to find food, and only those that can adapt to new food sources will survive.

this chart shows characteristics of four different cells observed under a microscope.

Explanation:

Hummingbirds rely on nectar from flowering plants. A drought will likely reduce the number of flowering plants, so their primary food source diminishes. Option A is incorrect because with less food, reproductive rate won't increase. Option B is incorrect as reduced food would likely decrease survival, not affect genetic diversity directly in this context. Option C is incorrect because adapting to new food sources isn't immediate; it takes time via natural selection. Option D is correct: with less primary food, hummingbirds will struggle to find food, and only those that can adapt to new sources (or have other adaptations) will survive.

Answer:

D. The hummingbirds will struggle to find food, and only those that can adapt to new food sources will survive.