Question

predators can effect changes in the traits of their prey and vice - versa

the phenomenon you observed between populations of crossbills and pinecones is called coadaptation. in areas where only crossbills are the main predators, the pine trees have adapted to bird predation by producing heavier cones with thick scales. faced with this additional defense, the crossbill population, over time, developed deeper beaks. (see bird on the right) to become more fit for survival. in short, the population of crossbills had coadapted to the tree’s new defense.

which of the following is true of coadaptation in this scenario?

○ adaptations made by one organism exert a pressure on a closely interconnected organism to develop counter adaptations or traits to survive.
○ coadaptations always come about through a predator forcing a prey population to change their trait.
○ coadaptations always come about through a prey species forcing a predator to change their traits.
○ coadaptations only happen between plants.
○ coadaptations explain how organisms adapt, but it does not explain how new traits are formed in a population.

Explanation:

• Analyze Option 1: The scenario shows pine trees (prey) adapted with heavier cones, then crossbills (predator) adapted with deeper beaks. This matches the idea that one organism’s adaptation pressures another to develop counter - adaptations for survival.
• Analyze Option 2: The word "always" is incorrect. Coadaptation can occur in non - predator - prey relationships too, and the scenario also has the prey (pine trees) initiating an adaptation that the predator (crossbills) responds to, not just the predator forcing the prey.
• Analyze Option 3: The word "always" is wrong. As seen in the scenario, the predator (crossbills) also adapts to the prey’s (pine trees) adaptation, and coadaptation isn't limited to prey forcing predators.
• Analyze Option 4: The scenario involves a bird (crossbills) and a tree (pine trees), so coadaptation isn't only between plants.
• Analyze Option 5: Coadaptation does involve the formation of new traits (like deeper beaks in crossbills and heavier cones in pine trees) as organisms adapt to each other, so this statement is incorrect.

Answer:

A. Adaptations made by one organism exert a pressure on a closely interconnected organism to develop counter adaptations or traits to survive.