Question

Scientists have documented that spring seasons starting earlier due to climate change have resulted in some caterpillar species beginning their maturation stage earlier than normal. There are bird species that need the caterpillars to feed their chicks. However, since the caterpillars are maturing before the chicks hatch (and therefore cannot be used for chick food), the birds are experiencing a drop in their lifetime reproductive success. Interestingly, scientists have also documented that the individual birds that are best able to change when they lay their eggs to align with earlier spring seasons have the greatest lifetime reproductive success. These phenomena are examples of ________.

Answer 1

Evolutionary responses. In this case, interconnected with the climate change phenomenon.

Step-by-step explanation:

Today, Climate change is considered one of the biggest challenges all species, including humans, have ever faced in the history of the Earth.

Many species are forced to adapt to these climatic variations by exhibiting different behaviors, changes in physiology, even in physical characteristics. While some species will be able to adapt due to their plasticity, i.e. their ability to accommodate to these changes; others will not be able to adapt as fast as needed.

In this case, some bird species with low plasticity will be facing population declines due to their inability to adapt quickly, while others will be able to survive because they are able to adjust their behaviors and physiology. Both cases are examples of evolutionary responses, which in this case, are related to climate change.