Question

7 the adult of bird k lays its egg in the nest of another type of bird, l. this only happens when the adult of bird l is not at its nest. bird k flies away after laying its egg and does not return.

(a) the egg of bird k looks very similar to the eggs of bird l. explain how this similarity helps bird k to survive.

the young of bird k grows more quickly than the young of bird l. once it is big enough, it will push the smaller young of bird l out of the nest.

(b) if more of bird k successfully lay their eggs in the nests of bird l, predict how the population size of bird l will change. give a reason for your answer.

(c) the adults of bird l usually build their nests close together instead of far apart. predict how the population size of bird k will change. give a reason for your answer.

Explanation:

Similarity of eggs

The similarity prevents the adult of bird L from recognizing and rejecting the egg of bird K. This ensures bird L will incubate and hatch the egg of bird K, increasing bird K's survival rate.

Population change of bird L

The population size of bird L will decrease. The faster-growing young of bird K will push the smaller young of bird L out of the nest, leading to fewer young of bird L surviving to adulthood.

Population change of bird K with clustered nests

The population size of bird K will decrease. When nests of bird L are built close together, the adults of bird L can more easily spot, alarm, or defend against bird K trying to lay eggs in their nests, reducing bird K's success rate.

Answer:

Question (a)

The similarity prevents the adult of bird L from recognizing and rejecting the egg of bird K, ensuring that bird L will incubate and hatch the egg of bird K.

Question (b)

The population size of bird L will decrease. The faster-growing young of bird K will push the smaller young of bird L out of the nest, causing them to die.

Question (c)

The population size of bird K will decrease. With nests built close together, the adults of bird L can cooperate to spot and drive away bird K, making it harder for bird K to lay its eggs in their nests.