In a study of life history evolution in response to predation, guppies that were adapted to high predation sites were transplanted to low predation sites. If the hypothesis is correct that producing larger but fewer offspring is an adaptation to low predation sites, then which of the following would we expect?
A) The number and size of offspring will not change in the transplanted guppy population.
B) More, larger offspring will be produced in the transplanted guppy population.
C) More offspring will be produced in the transplanted guppy population, but they will be smaller.
D) Fewer offspring will be produced in the transplanted guppy population, but they will be larger.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If the hypothesis is correct, the guppies transplanted to the low predation sites would evolve to produce fewer but larger offspring. Therefore, we would expect fewer offspring to be produced in the transplanted guppy population, but they would be larger. Choice A is incorrect because producing larger offspring is an adaptation to low predation sites, so we would expect a change when the guppies are transplanted to a low predation site. Choice B is incorrect, as the adaptation to low predation is producing fewer offspring, not more. Choice C is also incorrect because the hypothesis suggests that larger offspring are an adaptation to low predation sites.

In a Study of Life History Evolution in Response to Predation