Researchers have tested Lack's hypothesis on clutch sizes,and the results are shown in the accompanying figure.In this graph,the histogram shows actual clutch sizes over 22 years for the Great Tit (Parus major),whereas the individual data points reflect results of manipulation of clutch size.According to this data,________.
A) Lack's hypothesis is supported
B) there is an ideal clutch size in terms of survival; however, this species of bird is not producing as many offspring as could survive, therefore Lack's hypothesis is not supported
C) there is an ideal clutch size in terms of survival-which is more than the number of offspring that are being produced; however, the results still support Lack's hypothesis
D) there is no apparent ideal clutch size because of discrepancies in these data

Question

Researchers have tested Lack's hypothesis on clutch sizes,and the results are shown in the accompanying figure.In this graph,the histogram shows actual clutch sizes over 22 years for the Great Tit (Parus major),whereas the individual data points reflect results of manipulation of clutch size.According to this data,________. 
A) Lack's hypothesis is supported 
B) there is an ideal clutch size in terms of survival; however, this species of bird is not producing as many offspring as could survive, therefore Lack's hypothesis is not supported 
C) there is an ideal clutch size in terms of survival-which is more than the number of offspring that are being produced; however, the results still support Lack's hypothesis 
D) there is no apparent ideal clutch size because of discrepancies in these data

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The graph shows that the actual clutch sizes of Great Tits are below the ideal clutch size in terms of survival. Lack's hypothesis suggests that natural selection favors clutch sizes that result in the highest number of surviving offspring. However, in this case, the Great Tit is not producing as many offspring as could survive if the clutch size was increased. Therefore, Lack's hypothesis is not fully supported.

Researchers Have Tested Lack's Hypothesis on Clutch Sizes,and the Results