An example of natural selection in a tropical butterfly species has been seen in a certain butterfly species. The male population of this tropical butterfly has developed a way to fight against a highly invasive, male-killing bacteria. The bacteria kills the males before they hatch from the egg. The male-killing bacteria and was so successful, the male population of the butterfly dropped to 1% at its' lowest point. In less than five years, after the adaptation of the tropical male butterfly, the male population of butterflies has increased from 1% to 39%. Researchers believe this may be the fastest response and recovery to an environmental pressure that has ever been observed. How could the male butterflies manage such a fast response to the male-killing bacteria?

Question

An example of natural selection in a tropical butterfly species has been seen in a certain butterfly species. The male population of this tropical butterfly has developed a way to fight against a highly invasive, male-killing bacteria. The bacteria kills the males before they hatch from the egg. The male-killing bacteria and was so successful, the male population of the butterfly dropped to 1% at its' lowest point. In less than five years, after the adaptation of the tropical male butterfly, the male population of butterflies has increased from 1% to 39%. Researchers believe this may be the fastest response and recovery to an environmental pressure that has ever been observed. How could the male butterflies manage such a fast response to the male-killing bacteria?

Female butterflies in the population that survived had a genetic adaptation that allowed them to transform into male butterflies.

Female butterflies can reproduce quickly so the males that survive are able to pass their favorable trait to their offspring.

Male butterflies in the population that survived were able to prey on the bacteria that was in the egg cells of the butterflies.

Answer 1

This allowed them to increase their survival rate and pass on their genes to the next generation, leading to a higher male population. Over time, the adaptation spread through the population, resulting in the rapid increase in the male butterfly population. This example demonstrates how natural selection can drive rapid evolutionary changes in response to environmental pressures.