Chapter 7, Problem 3STP

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

The living organisms that reside in a stable environment produce a smaller number of offspring. Whereas, the living organisms that reside in an environment which is highly unstable produce higher number of offspring. Hence, the two evolutionary strategies include k-strategists and strategists. The k-strategists are the ones that produce smaller number of offspring and live in stable environmental conditions, whereas, the r-strategists produce more offspring and live in highly unstable environmental conditions.

Answer to Problem 3STP

Option (B)

Explanation of Solution

Explanation for correct answer:

Option (B). Grasslands are highly unstable environments. Grasslands experience increasing levels of drought, grazing, nitrogen and carbon dioxide. This negatively affects the biodiversity and gradually reduces the stability of grasslands. Grasslands have too much space where predation could be high, and resources are also not abundant. Additionally, the climate sometimes is not predictable. Hence, option is correct.

Explanation for incorrect answer:

Option (A). Desert is a stable environment in comparison to the grassland. Furthermore, deserts and tropical rain forests are applicable for k-strategist populations. Hence, option is incorrect.

Option (C). Deciduous forests have two specific types of climates, in which most of the k strategists can live, and so they are also stable. Hence, option C is incorrect.

Option (D). Tropical rain forest is a stable environment as compared to the grasslands. Tropical rain forest is applicable for k-strategist populations. Hence, option is incorrect.