Question

Corals are small animals that live in colonies in the ocean. They build a hard

skeleton-like structure using minerals they absorb from the water. Each
animal in the colony lives in a small hole in the structure. Acidic ocean
conditions make it difficult for corals to produce the skeleton. In a species
called smooth cauliflower corals, scientists have discovered a genetic
variation that allows them to build skeletons with larger holes. Corals with
this variation need to build less skeleton as they grow.
How will the population of smooth cauliflower corals most likely adapt as the
ocean becomes more acidic?
A. Over generations, larger skeleton holes will become more
common.
B. In the same generation, smaller skeleton holes will become larger.
C. Over generations, smaller skeleton holes will become more
common.
D. Within a generation, the skeleton will disappear.

Answer 1

Answer: A. Over generations, larger skeleton holes will become more

common.

Step-by-step explanation:

The genetic variation in smooth cauliflower corals that allows them to build skeletons with larger holes is advantageous in acidic ocean conditions. This is because it enables them to use fewer resources to create their skeletons as they grow. In the context of natural selection and adaptation:

A. Over generations, larger skeleton holes will become more common.

This is the most likely outcome. Corals with the genetic variation for larger holes are better suited to the acidic conditions, so they are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on this advantageous trait to their offspring. Over time, this genetic variation should become more prevalent in the population.

So, the population of smooth cauliflower corals will most likely adapt by having larger skeleton holes become more common over generations (Option A).