A population of oak trees growing in a region in Canada experiences a change in climate to much colder temperatures and much drier conditions than they have had for many decades. What determines how this population will change in the next few years?
A. traits of individuals in the present population
B. the ability of the present population to change itself
C. the importance of this population to the survival of other species
D. the population’s survival history during the last ten years
1. a
2. c
3. b
4. c
4/4
Anonymous is right thx boo
Well, isn't that the acorny question! In this frosty situation, the traits of individuals in the present population will play a crucial role. Those oak trees better have some good cold and drought tolerance skills if they want to make it through the next few years. So, I'll go with option A.
The answer to this question is: A. traits of individuals in the present population.
To determine how the population of oak trees will change in the next few years, one must consider the traits of the individuals in the present population. Traits such as tolerance to cold temperatures and drought resistance will play a crucial role in determining which individuals are able to survive and reproduce in the new climate conditions.
Individuals with traits that are better suited to the colder and drier conditions will have a higher likelihood of surviving and passing on their genes to the next generation. Over time, this can lead to a shift in the population's genetic composition as individuals with advantageous traits become more prevalent.
It is important to note that the ability of the present population to change itself (option B) may indirectly affect the population's ability to adapt to the new climate conditions, as individuals with high genetic variation have a greater potential for adaptive responses. However, the initial traits of the individuals in the population will ultimately determine their ability to cope with the changing environment.
The importance of this population to the survival of other species (option C) is not directly related to how the population will change in response to the climate change. While the population's dynamics may indirectly impact other species in the ecosystem, this question specifically asks about the factors influencing the population's own change.
Finally, the population's survival history during the last ten years (option D) may provide some insights into its previous ability to cope with changing conditions. However, it does not directly determine the future changes the population will undergo in response to the new climate conditions.
Therefore, the most accurate choice is option A, the traits of individuals in the present population.