Evolution
4th Edition
ISBN: 9781605356051
Author: Douglas Futuyma, Mark Kirkpatrick
Publisher: SINAUER
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Chapter 12, Problem 1PDT
Summary Introduction
To determine: The reason that the evolution of alarm calls that are produced by many species of animals are favored by natural selection.
Introduction: The process of natural selection suggests that nature will favor the survival of the fittest among the species of a population. Individuals, who adapt in a way that they are able to face the external environmental conditions and can reproduce to ensure continuity of life on the Earth, will be selected by nature. Many species of animals adapt in various ways in order to get protection from their predators.
Expert Solution
Explanation of Solution
Many species of animals make alarm calls by which they can warn other members in their group about the predators. These organisms also attract the attention of approaching predators, making it more likely that the particular organism making the alarm call will be eaten. These alarm calls is favored by the natural selection because they permit the survival of organisms even in the presence of predators.
Alarm calls or signals promote the survival of organisms by allowing the receivers of alarms to escape from the source of the danger zone. Hence, such alarm calls are favored by the process of natural selection.
Summary Introduction
To determine: The way by which hypothesis of natural selection can be tested.
Introduction: Natural selection suggests that nature will favor the survival of the fittest among the species of a population. Individuals, who adapt in a way that they are able to face the external environmental conditions and can reproduce to ensure continuity of life on earth, will be selected by nature.
Expert Solution
Explanation of Solution
The hypothesis of evolution by natural selection was given by Charles Darwin. This hypothesis suggests that nature will preserve each and every useful variation. Any kind of biological variation either behavioral or physical will be stored by natural selection.
In this case, the hypothesis of natural selection can be tested by observing the evolution of different species of animals producing such defensive signals. These signals favor their survival and hence are conserved by nature.
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According to Lamarck’s theory of evolution, organisms change during their lifetime to survive then pass these changes to their offspring. What supports the hypothesis of Lamarck?
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A species of Caribbean fish lives in groups of individuals in a burrow in the sand. When a predator swims by, one or more of the fish flick their fins to warn others to retreat to the safety of the burrow. Fish that flick their fins are more likely to be killed by predators than fish that do not.
What is the most useful piece of information you would like to know in order to explain how fin-flicking can evolve, and why?
One of Darwin’s finches, the medium ground finch (Geospiza fortis), is found on the small island of Daphne Major. These finches are seedeating birds. A major drought occurred on the island in 1977. Following the drought, the average beak size of medium ground finches had increased about 3%–4%. Why might a drought lead to an evolutionary change in beak size? Propose a hypothesis and explain how you could go about testing it.
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