In a population of beetles, about 1 in every 6 beetles is slightly smaller and lighter in color than the others. the small, lighter beetles are a little better at evading predators and this increases the chances of survival and reproduction. what is likely to happen to the representation of the smaller, lighter beetle in the overall population over time? will the ration remain at roughly 6:1, or will it change? if it changes, why will it change, and in what direction?

Question

Biology

Drew Brown

28 October, 10:09

In a population of beetles, about 1 in every 6 beetles is slightly smaller and lighter in color than the others. the small, lighter beetles are a little better at evading predators and this increases the chances of survival and reproduction. what is likely to happen to the representation of the smaller, lighter beetle in the overall population over time? will the ration remain at roughly 6:1, or will it change? if it changes, why will it change, and in what direction?

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Walsh · Answer 1

Eventually the smaller, lighter beetles will out breed the larger, darker ones. Because they can avoid predators more easily, allowing them to reproduce more often and with better results. The larger, darker beetles will inevitably be found more often by predators and as such won't be able to reproduce as often, or as safely, as the smaller, lighter beetles.