Question

miguel ramirez, edgardo
biology released test nov 25
hummingbirds thrive in warm, moist climates and their primary source of food is nectar from flowering plants. a three year drought is expected in an ecosystem. how will this most likely affect the
hummingbird population in that ecosystem?
the hummingbirds will increase their reproductive rate in order to ensure enough individuals survive.
the hummingbirds will immediately adapt to eat new food sources, increasing the overall survival rate of the population.
the hummingbirds will struggle to find foodm and only those that can adapt to new food sources will survive.
the hummingbirds will decrease their reproductive rate in order to decrease genetic diversity within the population.

Explanation:

A drought reduces water availability, which will decrease the number of flowering plants (the hummingbirds' primary food source: nectar). This scarcity means hummingbirds will face difficulty finding food. Only individuals with traits allowing them to adapt to alternative food sources (if any exist) will survive, aligning with natural selection principles.

Answer:

The hummingbirds will struggle to find food and only those that can adapt to new food sources will survive.