Question

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corals are small animals that live in colonies in the ocean. they build a hard skeleton - like structure using minerals they absorb from the water. each animal in the colony lives in a small hole in the structure. acidic ocean conditions make it difficult for corals to produce the skeleton. in a species called smooth cauliflower corals, scientists have discovered a genetic variation that allows them to build skeletons with larger holes. corals with this variation need to build less skeleton as they grow.
as oceans become more acidic, what is most likely to occur in a population of smooth cauliflower corals?
a. more corals in the population will have a skeleton with smaller holes.
b. more corals in the population will have a skeleton without holes.
c. more corals in the population will have a skeleton with larger holes.
d. more corals in the population will not have any skeleton.

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze the problem

The problem is about the effect of ocean acidification on a coral population.

Step2: Recall the given information

Smooth cauliflower corals have a genetic variation that allows them to build skeletons with larger holes and need to build less skeleton as they grow. Acidic ocean conditions make it difficult for corals to produce the skeleton.

Step3: Apply natural selection concept

In an acidic ocean (a selective pressure), corals with the genetic variation (larger - hole skeletons) that is advantageous (need to build less skeleton) will be more likely to survive and reproduce.

Step4: Determine the outcome

Over time, more corals in the population will have the advantageous trait (skeleton with larger holes).

Answer:

C. More corals in the population will have a skeleton with larger holes.