Anolis lizards can be informally subdivided into long -legged forms (which move by jumping from tree to tree) and short-legged forms (which mostly crawl from one area to another). Both forms are usually found in any population. A group of Anolis lizards with long legs are transplanted from an island with many large trees to an island with many small plants and no trees. In future generations, the transplanted lizard population is most likely to
A) evolve to be able to maneuver less efficiently.
B) undergo no evolutionary change.
C) evolve even longer legs.
D) evolve to be able to run away from predators more quickly.
E) evolve shorter legs adapted for the smaller plants.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The transplanted Anolis lizards, originally adapted for jumping between large trees with their long legs, are now in an environment with smaller plants and no trees. This new environment favors shorter legs, which are better suited for crawling and maneuvering in dense, low vegetation. Over time, natural selection is likely to favor individuals with shorter legs that are more efficient at moving in their new habitat, leading to the evolution of shorter legs in the population.

Anolis Lizards Can Be Informally Subdivided into Long -Legged Forms