Question

monarch butterflies are a well - known species in north america that has received a great deal of attention in recent years as scientists have witnessed their decline from being a common butterfly species to one that is being considered for protection under the endangered species act. the primary food for monarch caterpillars is the milkweed plant, which produces a toxin in its milky sap. the caterpillars are not affected by the toxin and incorporate it into their biomass, making them poisonous to predators. the adults also retain the toxin after the caterpillar has metamorphosed, and their bright orange and black coloration signals to predators that they are poisonous. viceroy butterflies mimic the monarch coloration, also making them less attractive to predators even though they are not toxic.
the relationship between milkweed and monarch butterflies is an example of □; the milkweed attracts the □ for pollination while providing food for the □. the □ mimics the coloration of the adult butterfly, increasing its □ as the coloration helps it to avoid □.
options: viceroy, adult butterfly, predation, caterpillar, coevolution, reproductive isolation, speciation, biological fitness

Explanation:

1. The relationship between milkweed and monarch butterflies: Coevolution occurs when two species evolve together, like milkweed (providing food) and monarchs (aiding pollination as adults). So first blank: coevolution.
2. Milkweed attracts the adult butterfly for pollination (adults can transfer pollen). Second blank: adult butterfly.
3. Milkweed provides food for the caterpillar (monarch caterpillars eat milkweed). Third blank: caterpillar.
4. The viceroy mimics monarch coloration. Fourth blank: viceroy.
5. Mimicking increases biological fitness (ability to survive/reproduce). Fifth blank: biological fitness.
6. The coloration helps avoid predation (predators avoid toxic - looking butterflies). Sixth blank: predation.

Answer:

1. coevolution
2. adult butterfly
3. caterpillar
4. viceroy
5. biological fitness
6. predation