Question

a population of nut - eating gray tree squirrels use their large, white bushy tails to communicate and court mates. a large variation in how bushy and white the tails appear exists among individuals in the population. match each scenario with the most likely outcome of evolution of the squirrel tails in this population. insect - eating woodpeckers migrate to the area. mates become very rare and choosy. squirrel predators become extremely common. the tails should become whiter and bushier. the tails will likely not change very much. the tails should become darker and less bushy.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each scenario based on evolutionary pressures (competition, mate selection, predation) and how they affect tail traits:

1. Insect - eating woodpeckers migrate to the area.

Woodpeckers eat insects, so they don't compete with squirrels for nuts or prey on them. Thus, there's no new pressure on tail traits.
Match: The tails will likely not change very much.

2. Mates become very rare and choosy.

When mates are rare and choosy, squirrels with more attractive tails (whiter, bushier) will have a better chance to mate. This is sexual selection, favoring more elaborate tails.
Match: The tails should become whiter and bushier.

3. Squirrel predators become extremely common.

Predators will hunt squirrels. Tails that are less noticeable (darker, less bushy) will help squirrels avoid detection. Natural selection favors traits that increase survival.
Match: The tails should become darker and less bushy.

Final Matches:

• Insect - eating woodpeckers migrate to the area. → The tails will likely not change very much.
• Mates become very rare and choosy. → The tails should become whiter and bushier.
• Squirrel predators become extremely common. → The tails should become darker and less bushy.

Answer:

To solve this, we analyze each scenario based on evolutionary pressures (competition, mate selection, predation) and how they affect tail traits:

1. Insect - eating woodpeckers migrate to the area.

Woodpeckers eat insects, so they don't compete with squirrels for nuts or prey on them. Thus, there's no new pressure on tail traits.
Match: The tails will likely not change very much.

2. Mates become very rare and choosy.

When mates are rare and choosy, squirrels with more attractive tails (whiter, bushier) will have a better chance to mate. This is sexual selection, favoring more elaborate tails.
Match: The tails should become whiter and bushier.

3. Squirrel predators become extremely common.

Predators will hunt squirrels. Tails that are less noticeable (darker, less bushy) will help squirrels avoid detection. Natural selection favors traits that increase survival.
Match: The tails should become darker and less bushy.

Final Matches:

• Insect - eating woodpeckers migrate to the area. → The tails will likely not change very much.
• Mates become very rare and choosy. → The tails should become whiter and bushier.
• Squirrel predators become extremely common. → The tails should become darker and less bushy.