You have been studying a plant species for the last three years.On an island trip you notice that the same species there does not have a similar leaf morphology compared to that on the mainland.Specifically,the island plants do not have sharp points around the perimeter of each leaf and are instead very smooth.You also learn that this island is devoid of deer,which specialize on this plant.What might you hypothesize regarding the morphological differences between these plants?
A) Leaves have evolved differently on the island because of climate.
B) Leaves have no need on the island for morphological defenses because their primary predator is not found there.
C) There is no way the two plants are the same species.
D) Specialized predators on the island ate the spikes off of these leaves.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The absence of deer on the island, which are known to feed on this plant species on the mainland, suggests that the lack of sharp points on the island plants' leaves is not necessary for defense against herbivores. Therefore, it can be hypothesized that the differences in leaf morphology are a result of adaptations to the different ecological pressures present on the island, where the plant may not need to invest resources in producing sharp leaf points.

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