Which of the following examples demonstrates an ecological effect leading to an evolutionary effect?
A) When seeds are not plentiful, trees produce more seeds.
B) A few individuals with denser fur than the population average survive the coldest years of an ice age, and the offspring of the reproducing survivors of the ice age will likely have more dense fur.
C) Fish that swim the fastest in running water catch the most prey and more easily escape predation.
D) The insects that spend the most time exposed to sunlight have the most mutations from UV light, and thus evolve the fastest

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

B) demonstrates an ecological effect (a cold climate during an ice age) leading to an evolutionary effect (the selection for individuals with denser fur, which then becomes more common in the population). This is an example of natural selection, where environmental pressures lead to changes in the traits of a population over time.

Which of the Following Examples Demonstrates an Ecological Effect Leading