what happens to the population of butterflies after a predator comes through? answer must include the words, gene and natural selection
When a predator comes through, it can have an impact on the population of butterflies. To understand what happens, we need to consider the role of genes and natural selection.
Genes play a crucial role in determining the traits and characteristics of organisms, including butterflies. These genes are passed down from generation to generation, helping to shape the population's genetic diversity.
When a predator preys on butterflies, it typically targets those individuals that possess certain traits that make them more susceptible to predation. These traits can be influenced by genetic factors. For example, butterflies with brighter colors or slower flight speeds may be easier for predators to spot and catch.
As the predator exerts pressure on the butterfly population, individuals with these vulnerable traits are more likely to be eliminated from the gene pool. On the other hand, butterflies that possess traits that help them evade predators, such as cryptic coloring or faster flight speeds, are more likely to survive and reproduce.
This process is known as natural selection. Over time, as the predation continues, natural selection favors the survival and reproduction of butterflies with advantageous traits, while the vulnerable traits become less prevalent in the population. This can result in an overall increase in the traits that promote survival and decrease in the traits that make butterflies more susceptible to predation.
Therefore, after a predator comes through, the population of butterflies may experience a decrease in individuals with vulnerable traits and an increase in individuals with protective traits, ultimately leading to an adaptation of the population to better evade predators.