Question

One of the functions of pelvic spines in the ocean is to protect stickleback from larger fish predators. based on this knowledge, which statement might be a possible explanation for the differences in pelvic spines between bear paw lake and frog lake sticklebacks?

A. frog lake has no native predatory fishes such as trout.
B. frog lake likely has native predatory fishes, but they do not prey on stickleback fish.
C. the food webs that characterize organisms in bear paw lake and frog lake are virtually identical.
D. bear paw lake has no native predatory fishes.

Answer 1

The absence of predatory fish like trout in Frog Lake likely explains the differences in pelvic spines between sticklebacks in Bear Paw Lake and Frog Lake, affecting their evolution and the ecosystems. The correct option is A. frog lake has no native predatory fishes such as trout.

Step-by-step explanation:

One of the functions of pelvic spines in ocean sticklebacks is to protect them from larger fish predators. Taking into account that Frog Lake has no native predatory fishes such as trout, it might be a possible explanation for the differences in pelvic spines between Bear Paw Lake and Frog Lake sticklebacks. This absence of predatory fish likely resulted in reduced selection pressure for robust pelvic spines in Frog Lake sticklebacks, while those in Bear Paw Lake retained their pelvic spines to protect against predators that are present.

The different ecological conditions have influenced the evolution of the sticklebacks in each lake. Additionally, the change in the environment, which can be due to the different feeding habits of the stickleback species in each lake, can significantly impact the survival of other species within these ecosystems, such as other photosynthetic organisms. The reciprocal effects of the environment and the evolution of populations in these lakes could be implemented into simulation models to predict future evolutionary changes and ecological dynamics.