Question

When observing giraffes on Calauit Island in the Philippines, the traveler noticed their small size and inquired about the phenomenon. The local guides attributed the giraffes' reduced size to being island born. To determine if this is an example of Island Dwarfism, consider the following possibilities:

A) The observed giraffes are normal-sized, and the perspective in the picture might create an illusion of smaller stature.
B) The giraffes encountered are immature and have not reached full stature, eliminating the possibility of dwarfism.
C) The giraffes on Calauit Island are derived from a variety with naturally smaller stature, possibly from Kenya.
D) Poor nutrition in the suboptimal habitat has led to developmental loss of stature, but it is not an evolutionary adaptation.
E) Genetic drift has resulted in genetically determined dwarfism, unrelated to the island environment.

Which of the following statements correctly reflects the concerns and considerations about the giraffes on Calauit Island?

A) The observed giraffes are likely examples of Island Dwarfism, showing a rapid adaptation to the island environment.
B) Evolutionary processes such as Island Dwarfism typically occur slowly over millions of years, making the observed giraffes an unlikely example.
C) The giraffes' reduced size is primarily due to genetic factors inherited from their ancestors.
D) The traveler's observation of smaller giraffes on Calauit Island is inconclusive, and various factors, including perspective and genetic variation, must be considered.

Answer 1

The smaller stature of giraffes on Calauit Island could potentially be an example of Island Dwarfism, an evolutionary adaptation to resource-limited island conditions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The observation of smaller giraffes on Calauit Island in the Philippines raises the question of whether this is an example of Island Dwarfism, an evolutionary process where species adapt to island conditions. Factors such as perspective in observation, immaturity of the animals, natural size variation of species, nutritional factors, and genetic drift must be considered. However, the concept of island dwarfism suggests that large species on islands often become smaller over time due to limited resources and absence of predators, as supported by studies on homo floresiensis and animal species on the Galápagos Islands observed by Darwin, like the giant tortoises and iguanas with traits beneficial to their specific island environment.The concerns and considerations about the giraffes on Calauit Island include the possibilities mentioned in the options: A) Perspective may create an illusion of smaller stature, B)

The giraffes might be immature and have not reached full stature, C) The giraffes might be derived from a variety with naturally smaller stature, D) Poor nutrition in the suboptimal habitat might lead to developmental loss of stature, and E) Genetic drift might have resulted in genetically determined dwarfism unrelated to the island environment.The correct statement that reflects these concerns and considerations is D) The traveler's observation of smaller giraffes on Calauit Island is inconclusive, and various factors, including perspective and genetic variation, must be considered.