A population of birch trees is present on the side of a mountain and is preyed upon by beetles that burrow into bark. Which tree would be the most fit?
A) a tree that grows to be the tallest
B) a tree that has thicker bark
C) a tree with more active photosynthetic enzymes
D) a tree that has thick, strong roots

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A tree with thicker bark will be more resistant to beetle burrowing, reducing the likelihood of damage to the potentially lethal inner tissues. Taller trees and more photosynthetically active trees may have a competitive advantage for resources, but this does not necessarily confer an advantage in terms of beetle attack. Thick, strong roots may help a tree withstand environmental stressors, but they are not necessarily related to resistance to beetle predation.

A Population of Birch Trees Is Present on the Side