In an ecosystem where most flowers are long and bell-shaped, there are two varieties of hummingbird: birds with short beaks and birds with long beaks. What is the most likely hummingbird population composition? (1 point)
Responses
only short-beaked hummingbirds
only short-beaked hummingbirds
only long-beaked hummingbirds
only long-beaked hummingbirds
more long-beaked hummingbirds
more long-beaked hummingbirds
more short-beaked hummingbirds
more long-beaked hummingbirds. This is because the long, bell-shaped flowers are adapted to be pollinated by long-beaked hummingbirds. Therefore, these birds are more likely to have a higher population in this ecosystem as they are the most efficient pollinators for these flowers. The short-beaked hummingbirds may still exist in the ecosystem, but they may not be as abundant or as successful in pollinating the flowers.
To determine the most likely hummingbird population composition in an ecosystem where most flowers are long and bell-shaped, we can consider the concept of natural selection. Hummingbirds have a unique feeding behavior where they obtain nectar from flowers. The shape of their beaks is well-adapted to the shape of the flowers they feed on.
In this case, since most flowers are long and bell-shaped, it is likely that hummingbirds with long beaks will have a competitive advantage over those with short beaks. The long beaks would be better suited to reach deep into the narrow flower tubes to access the nectar.
Therefore, the most likely hummingbird population composition in this ecosystem would be "more long-beaked hummingbirds." These long-beaked hummingbirds would have a higher chance of successfully obtaining the nectar from the long and bell-shaped flowers, leading to their increased population size compared to the short-beaked hummingbirds.
Hence, the correct answer choice is "more long-beaked hummingbirds."