You are shown caterpillars of the moth Nemoria arizonaria.The caterpillars belong to the same species,but some of the caterpillars that were collected from oak flowers resemble oak flowers,while caterpillars collected from oak twigs resemble oak twigs.What is the most plausible explanation for the phenotypic variation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that caterpillars collected from different parts of the oak tree (flowers vs. twigs) resemble those parts suggests that the environment and/or diet could be influencing the phenotype. This is supported by studies on other organisms where diet and environment have been shown to play a role in phenotypic variation. The other answer choices are not supported by the information given.

You Are Shown Caterpillars of the Moth Nemoria Arizonaria