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Chapter 12: Problem 5

If a predator affects all phenotypes within the prey population equally, does the interaction function as an agent of natural selection?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: No, the interaction between a predator and prey population that affects all phenotypes equally does not function as an agent of natural selection, as differential reproduction, a critical component of natural selection, is absent in this scenario.

Step by step solution

01

Define natural selection

Natural selection is a process by which organisms with certain heritable traits that confer a survival advantage are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to an increase in the frequency of those traits in successive generations.
02

Criteria for natural selection

For natural selection to occur, there must be: 1. Variation in traits within a population 2. Differential reproduction (some individuals produce more offspring than others) 3. Heritability of traits (traits must be passed down from parents to offspring)
03

Predator affecting all phenotypes equally

In the given scenario, the predator affects all phenotypes within the prey population equally, meaning no particular phenotype has a higher survival or reproductive advantage over others due to the predator's influence.
04

Analyze for natural selection

Since the predator is affecting all phenotypes within the prey population equally, there is no differential reproduction based on specific traits. Even if there is variability within the population and trait heritability, there would be no selective pressure on any particular phenotype as a result of the predator's interaction.
05

Conclusion

No, the interaction between a predator and prey population that affects all phenotypes equally does not function as an agent of natural selection. This is because differential reproduction, a critical component of natural selection, is absent in this scenario, as no phenotype has an advantage over others related to the predator's influence.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Why will the interaction between two species not equally influence all individuals within the respective populations?

(a) What is diffuse coevolution, and how can it be distinguished from coevolution? (b) Describe the following terms: ecological niche, fundamental niche, and realized niche. (c) Which is the primary factor driving phenotypic divergence? (d) What is urban ecology? (e) What is biotic homogenization?

If a phenotypic characteristic exhibited by a prey species functions to help individuals avoid being detected by predators, can we assume that the characteristic is a product of coevolution?

Do you think all species interactions influence the population dynamics of the species involved? Can you construct an example wherein a population of predators may not have a negative impact on the population growth rate of a prey species?

How does variation in phenotypes within a population function as an agent of natural selection?
See all solutions

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