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Marine iguanas, found in the Galápagos Islands, feed primarily on algae (seaweed) and can live more than 28 years. Red and green algae, which are nutrient rich and more easily digestible, are the preferred diet of these iguanas. However, during El Niño events, the temperature of the water around the Galápagos increases, negatively affecting the growth of red and green algae. This leaves only brown algae--which is far less digestible--as the main food source for the iguanas. On average, two thirds (2/3) of the population can be lost to starvation during these El Niño events, with large iguanas at a greater risk of dying. When scientists measured iguanas during several El Niño events, they found that individual iguanas got smaller--up to 20% of their length!--likely due to low food availability. Individuals able to shrink the most had the best chance of survival because of decreased energy expenditure and increased efficiency in foraging for food. It is hypothesized that shrinkage is due to decreases in connective tissue as well as bone absorption. During more severe El Niño events, shrinkage is greatest and when ocean temperatures return to normal and red and green algae are available, body size increases once again. Clearly explain how this shrinkage in body size is both an acclimatization and adaptation. HINT: your answer should include definitions of these terms (in your own words), but definitions alone are not sufficient to answer the question.

Marine iguanas, found in the Galápagos Islands, feed primarily on algae (seaweed) and can live more than 28 years. Red and green algae, which are nutrient rich and more easily digestible, are the preferred diet of these iguanas. However, during El Niño events, the temperature of the water around the Galápagos increases, negatively affecting the growth of red and green algae. This leaves only brown algae--which is far less digestible--as the main food source for the iguanas. On average, two thirds (2/3) of the population can be lost to starvation during these El Niño events, with large iguanas at a greater risk of dying. When scientists measured iguanas during several El Niño events, they found that individual iguanas got smaller--up to 20% of their length!--likely due to low food availability. Individuals able to shrink the most had the best chance of survival because of decreased energy expenditure and increased efficiency in foraging for food. It is hypothesized that shrinkage is due to decreases in connective tissue as well as bone absorption. During more severe El Niño events, shrinkage is greatest and when ocean temperatures return to normal and red and green algae are available, body size increases once again. Clearly explain how this shrinkage in body size is both an acclimatization and adaptation. HINT: your answer should include definitions of these terms (in your own words), but definitions alone are not sufficient to answer the question.

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation
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Marine iguanas, found in the Galápagos Islands, feed primarily on algae (seaweed) and can live more than 28 years. Red and green algae, which are nutrient rich and more easily digestible, are the preferred diet of these iguanas. However, during El Niño events, the temperature of the water around the Galápagos increases, negatively affecting the growth of red and green algae. This leaves only brown algae--which is far less digestible--as the main food source for the iguanas. On average, two thirds (2/3) of the population can be lost to starvation during these El Niño events, with large iguanas at a greater risk of dying. When scientists measured iguanas during several El Niño events, they found that individual iguanas got smaller--up to 20% of their length!--likely due to low food availability. Individuals able to shrink the most had the best chance of survival because of decreased energy expenditure and increased efficiency in foraging for food. It is hypothesized that shrinkage is due to decreases in connective tissue as well as bone absorption. During more severe El Niño events, shrinkage is greatest and when ocean temperatures return to normal and red and green algae are available, body size increases once again. Clearly explain how this shrinkage in body size is both an acclimatization and adaptation. HINT: your answer should include definitions of these terms (in your own words), but definitions alone are not sufficient to answer the question.
Transcribed Image Text:Marine iguanas, found in the Galápagos Islands, feed primarily on algae (seaweed) and can live more than 28 years. Red and green algae, which are nutrient rich and more easily digestible, are the preferred diet of these iguanas. However, during El Niño events, the temperature of the water around the Galápagos increases, negatively affecting the growth of red and green algae. This leaves only brown algae--which is far less digestible--as the main food source for the iguanas. On average, two thirds (2/3) of the population can be lost to starvation during these El Niño events, with large iguanas at a greater risk of dying. When scientists measured iguanas during several El Niño events, they found that individual iguanas got smaller--up to 20% of their length!--likely due to low food availability. Individuals able to shrink the most had the best chance of survival because of decreased energy expenditure and increased efficiency in foraging for food. It is hypothesized that shrinkage is due to decreases in connective tissue as well as bone absorption. During more severe El Niño events, shrinkage is greatest and when ocean temperatures return to normal and red and green algae are available, body size increases once again. Clearly explain how this shrinkage in body size is both an acclimatization and adaptation. HINT: your answer should include definitions of these terms (in your own words), but definitions alone are not sufficient to answer the question.
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