Question

soapberry bugs use needlelike \beaks\ to feed on seeds within the fruits of various plants. bugs feed most successfully when their beak length matches the size of the fruit on which they are feeding. for 25 years, populations of soapberry bugs in central florida have been feeding on small goldenrain tree fruits that were introduced to the area, rather than on the larger native balloon vine fruits that serve as food for other soapberry bug populations. beak lengths of soapberry bugs are variable, but the average beak length is shorter in soapberry bug populations that feed on goldenrain tree fruits than in populations that feed on balloon vine fruits, as shown in the graph. how does natural selection act on beak length in soapberry bug populations? the action of natural selection on beak length in soapberry bug populations varies with the environment. natural selection increases beak length in soapberry bug populations. natural selection decreases beak length in soapberry bug populations.

Explanation:

Soapberry bugs with beak lengths suitable for the smaller goldenrain tree fruits are more successful at feeding and thus more likely to survive and reproduce. Over time, this leads to a shift in the population - those with shorter beaks are favored in the environment with goldenrain tree fruits. This is an example of natural selection acting on beak - length based on the environmental food source.

Answer:

The action of natural selection on beak length in soapberry bug populations varies with the environment.