Question

A team of scientists is investigating evolution in anoles, which are a type of lizard. First, the team obtains a small breeding population of anoles from their natural habitat in a tropical rain forest. Then they release the population onto a tropical island. The team plans to return to the island in 5 years to observe the population and record any changes.Under which condition are the anoles most likely to show new adaptations when the scientists return to the island?

Answer 1

Anoles on an island with predators are likely to evolve adaptations for avoiding predation, while those on an island without predators may develop different traits related to available resources or lesser threats, illustrating island biogeography and adaptive radiation principles.

Step-by-step explanation:

When investigating how a population of anoles might evolve over five years after being released onto a tropical island, the presence or absence of predators is a crucial factor. If the anoles are placed in an environment where fierce predators are present, they are likely to develop adaptive traits such as camouflaged coloration, sharp spines, or toxins to avoid predation. In contrast, lizards on an island with no predators may show different adaptations, potentially related to securing resources or avoiding other, lesser threats. These differences are grounded in the principles of island biogeography and adaptive radiation, where species evolve differently based on the ecological niches available and the specific challenges they face.