Question

summary questions

1. if the predators in figure 8 - 10 were color blind, how would the mice population change over time (if it changes at all)?
2. there are currently 8,000 fish of the same species that live in the same lake. there is enough food and living space for 20,000 of them. they have no natural predators in the lake. describe what would happen to this population of fish over time.
3. describe why species that are extinct have very different traits to species that exist now.
4. describe the usefulness of a particular trait if an extinct species and a currently alive species have a similar trait.

Explanation:

1. If predators are color - blind, camouflage based on color would no longer be a survival advantage for mice. Mice with other survival traits like speed or agility would be more likely to survive, and the population might shift towards having more of these traits over time.
2. With no natural predators and enough resources for a larger population (carrying capacity of 20,000), the fish population would grow exponentially until it reaches the carrying capacity of the lake.
3. Extinct species had traits that were not suitable for the changing environment or competition. Surviving species have traits that allow them to adapt to current environmental conditions and out - compete other species.
4. A similar trait in an extinct and a living species indicates that the trait was useful in the past and still has some utility in the present environment, perhaps for survival, reproduction, or competition.

Answer:

1. The mice population might shift towards traits other than color - based camouflage for survival.
2. The fish population would grow exponentially until it reaches 20,000.
3. Extinct species' traits were not adapted to changing environments, while current species' traits are.
4. The trait was useful in the past and still has utility in the present environment.