Question

the tropical rain forests are known to have a large variety of animals. one example is the orchid mantis that is highly camouflaged when standing on a certain species of orchid found in tropical environments. another species, the tropical cockroach, can live anywhere in the rain forest where it can find water and a food source. which of the following statements best describes why it is predicted that the orchid mantis will be more affected by global climate change than the tropical cockroach will be? a as the climate changes, the number of orchids is likely to increase, leading to more competition for space by the mantis population. b orchid mantises tend to be advantaged in habitats that remain constant; the rain forest habitat is likely to shift because of global climate change. c orchid mantises are generalists, so global climate change will give them more diverse habitats to colonize. d climate change will lead directly to the clear - cutting of the forests, resulting in a smaller habitat for both the mantis and the tropical cockroach.

Explanation:

Generalist species can thrive in a variety of habitats and are less affected by environmental changes compared to specialist species. Since the orchid mantises are generalists, global climate change, which alters habitats, would provide them with more diverse habitats to colonize. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they either misattribute the effect (A: competition increase is not the key here; B: habitat shift for mantis is not the main point; D: climate change leading to deforestation affecting habitat is not about generalist - specialist dynamics).

Answer:

C. Orchid mantises are generalists, so global climate change will give them more diverse habitats to colonize.