A tropical palm tree population is identified on an isolated atoll that appears to be Areca triandra. However, they are much shorter than other members of this species and have a broader stem. Scientists speculate that this morphology is due to sea spray stunting the trees growth. If controlled experiments reveal this is NOT the case, what does this suggest?
A) That the population is isolated
B) All the options listed here are correct
C) No outcrossing is occurring
D) That the morphological differences have a genetic basis
E) The morphological difference are not plastic

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If controlled experiments reveal that sea spray is not the cause of the morphological differences, it suggests multiple things: the population is isolated (A), leading to a lack of genetic exchange or outcrossing (C), which in turn suggests that the morphological differences have a genetic basis (D) and are not simply a result of environmental plasticity (E).

A Tropical Palm Tree Population Is Identified on an Isolated