A population of birch trees is present on the side of a mountain and is preyed upon by beetles that burrow into bark. Which of the following trees would be the most fit?
A) a tree that grows to be the tallest
B) a tree that has thicker bark
C) a tree with more active photosynthetic enzymes
D) a tree that has thick, strong roots

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The tree with thicker bark would be the most fit because it would be more resistant to beetle burrowing and would therefore have a greater chance of survival and reproduction. Taller trees (option A) would not necessarily be more fit in this scenario, as height alone does not confer resistance to beetle burrowing. More active photosynthetic enzymes (option C) would not necessarily confer resistance to beetle burrowing either. Thick, strong roots (option D) might help a tree withstand inclement weather conditions or provide greater access to water, but they would not necessarily confer resistance to beetle burrowing.

A Population of Birch Trees Is Present on the Side