You can see two moths in this image, living on the bark of trees. They are the same species of moth; they differ in color. If the habitat of the two moths does not change, predict what will happen to the moth population in this area and explain why.
Responses
A If the habitat does not change there should be no change in the moth population.If the habitat does not change there should be no change in the moth population.
B The lighter moth population will have better chance of survival due to camouflage. Light moths will increase; dark moths will decrease.The lighter moth population will have better chance of survival due to camouflage. Light moths will increase; dark moths will decrease.
C The population will shift to the to favor the light moth. The light moth population will increase because the dark moths will leave the area.The population will shift to the to favor the light moth. The light moth population will increase because the dark moths will leave the area.
D As the seasons change, both moths will be hidden by foliage growing on the trees. We would predict no big change in the moth populations, light or dark.
D As the seasons change, both moths will be hidden by foliage growing on the trees. We would predict no big change in the moth populations, light or dark.
In this scenario, the habitat remains the same, which means the trees and their bark will not change. Therefore, the color difference between the moths will not provide any advantage or disadvantage in terms of camouflage. As a result, there should be no significant change in the moth populations, whether light or dark.
D As the seasons change, both moths will be hidden by foliage growing on the trees. We would predict no big change in the moth populations, light or dark.
The reason for this prediction is that the color difference between the two moth populations is not advantageous or disadvantageous in the given habitat. Since both moths are living on the bark of trees, they are likely to be hidden by foliage during the changing seasons. Therefore, there will be no significant selection pressure favoring one color over the other. As a result, the populations of light and dark moths are expected to remain relatively stable over time.
To predict what will happen to the moth population in this area, we need to consider the concept of natural selection and how it operates in the context of the moths' habitat.
The image shows two moths of the same species but with different colors. This suggests that there is genetic variation within the moth population, leading to the presence of both dark and light colored moths.
If the habitat of the moths does not change, we can apply the principle of natural selection to understand what might happen. Natural selection favors individuals with traits that enable them to better survive and reproduce in their specific environment. In this case, the habitat consists of the bark of trees.
Option A states that there will be no change in the moth population if the habitat does not change. However, this answer ignores the concept of natural selection and does not account for any potential advantages or disadvantages associated with the moths' coloration.
Option B suggests that the lighter moth population will have a better chance of survival due to camouflage, leading to an increase in light moths and a decrease in dark moths. This answer takes into account the role of camouflage in the moth's environment. Light moths may be better able to blend in with the bark of the trees, making them less visible to predators. Dark moths, on the other hand, may stand out more and be more vulnerable to predation.
Option C suggests a population shift to favor the light moth. It states that the light moth population will increase because the dark moths will leave the area. This answer assumes that the dark moths will leave the area for some reason, potentially due to predation or reduced reproductive success.
Option D states that there will be no significant change in the moth populations, light or dark, as the seasons change and both moths will be hidden by foliage growing on the trees. This answer considers the potential impact of foliage on the visibility of the moths, suggesting that both moth colors may be equally hidden during certain seasons.
Based on these options, we can infer that the most likely answer is B - the lighter moth population will have a better chance of survival due to camouflage, leading to an increase in light moths and a decrease in dark moths. However, it is important to note that without additional information about the specific characteristics of the moths and their habitat, we cannot make an entirely definitive prediction. Factors such as predators, prey availability, and other environmental conditions could also influence the moth population.