Question

A scientist has kept records of the color variations in a field of phlox for several generations. Phlox is an annual plant that produces flowers in a variety of shades ranging from white to red. Initially the field contained equal proportions of white, pink, and red flowers. By the end of the study the proportions of flowers in the field were 80% red, 15% pink, and 5% white. Which of the following inferences best explains the change in flower color proportions?

Bees visiting the field are more likely to see the white flowers and gather pollen from them.
The red flowers produce fewer seeds than the white flowers.
A predator has been introduced that prefers to eat red flowers.
Some environmental change has happened that favors the red flowers.

Answer 1

Some environmental change has happened that favors the red flowers.

Step-by-step explanation:

The initial proportions of white, pink, and red flowers were equal, but by the end of the study, the proportions had changed drastically, with red flowers now making up 80% of the population. This suggests that some environmental change has occurred that has favored the red flowers.

The other options are less likely explanations for the change in flower color proportions. Bees are more likely to see white flowers than red flowers, but this does not explain why the proportion of red flowers would increase so dramatically. The red flowers may produce fewer seeds than the white flowers, but this would only lead to a decrease in the proportion of red flowers, not an increase. A predator that prefers to eat red flowers could also explain the change in flower color proportions, but this is less likely than an environmental change, as predators are typically not very selective about their prey.

Therefore, the most likely explanation for the change in flower color proportions is that some environmental change has occurred that has favored the red flowers. This could be something like a change in the soil pH, a change in the amount of sunlight the flowers receive, or a change in the availability of pollinators. Whatever the cause, the environmental change has led to the red flowers becoming more successful than the white and pink flowers.