Question

Based on Schoener and Spiller's studies of spider densities in the Bahamas, what is the correct ranking (from highest to lowest) of the probability of spiders going extinct according to three different conditions: islands on which lizards are absent from the islands, islands on which lizards have been introduced to the islands, and islands on which lizards are present naturally?

a. Lizards absent > lizards introduced > lizards natural
b. Lizards absent > lizards natural > lizards introduced
c. Lizards introduced > lizards absent > lizards natural
d. Lizards introduced > lizards natural > lizards absent
e. Lizards natural > lizards introduced > lizards absent

Answer 1

The correct ranking is: lizards introduced > lizards natural > lizards absent.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct ranking, from highest to lowest, of the probability of spiders going extinct according to the three different conditions is the following:

d. Lizards introduced > lizards natural > lizards absent

This ranking is based on the studies of spider densities in the Bahamas conducted by Schoener and Spiller. The presence of lizards that were introduced to islands has the highest probability of causing spider extinction, followed by islands where lizards are naturally present, and finally islands where lizards are absent. This is likely due to the predators' impact on spider populations and the potential for the evolution of defensive adaptations in the presence of lizards.