Consider pioneer species and some of the characteristics that are likely to make them successful. Read the following statements about their potential characteristics and determine which one is unlikely.(1 point)
A) They have long life cycles with slower growth and longer life spans.
B) They are often photosynthetic, because there is no energy source available other than light energy.
C) They have root nodes with nitrogen-fixing bacteria so they can obtain nutrients, because the environment has poor quality soil.
D) They usually reproduce asexually to increase reproductive success, rather than investing energy into risky sexual reproduction.
B) They are often photosynthetic, because there is no energy source available other than light energy is unlikely. This is because some pioneer species can obtain energy from other sources such as chemical energy or organic matter in the soil.
To determine which statement is unlikely, let's examine each of the potential characteristics of pioneer species:
A) Long life cycles with slower growth and longer life spans: This characteristic is likely for pioneer species. They often have longer life cycles as they establish themselves in harsh or newly formed environments.
B) Photosynthetic: This characteristic is also likely for pioneer species. In the early stages of colonization, there may not be an available energy source other than light energy. Photosynthesis allows pioneer species to create their own energy.
C) Root nodes with nitrogen-fixing bacteria: This characteristic is also likely for pioneer species. Poor quality soil is a common condition in newly disturbed areas. Root nodes with nitrogen-fixing bacteria enable pioneer species to obtain necessary nutrients from the environment.
D) Reproduction through asexual means: This characteristic is also likely for pioneer species. By reproducing asexually, pioneer species can quickly establish populations without the need for a mate and the time and energy investment of sexual reproduction.
Considering the characteristics mentioned, it seems that all of them are likely for pioneer species. Therefore, none of the statements are unlikely.