Question

Two genera of birds exist side-by-side on an island. Genus A is characterized by a few species carrying similar genetic material. Genus B contains different species of birds with a wide variety of genetic traits. After a volcanic explosion changes the ecosystem, which genus has the highest probability of surviving the disaster?

a) Genus A
b) Genus B
c) Both have equal probabilities
d) Neither has a high probability of survival

Answer 1

Genus B has the highest probability of surviving the disaster due to its greater genetic diversity and the potential for advantageous traits in the new environment.

Step-by-step explanation:

After a volcanic explosion changes the ecosystem, the genus with the highest probability of surviving the disaster is Genus B. Genus B contains different species of birds with a wide variety of genetic traits, which means that some of these species may have traits that confer an advantage in the new environment. In contrast, Genus A is characterized by a few species carrying similar genetic material, which may limit their ability to adapt to the changed ecosystem.