The Following Question Refers to This Hypothetical Situation

question 35

Multiple Choice

The following question refers to this hypothetical situation.
A female fly, full of fertilized eggs, is swept by high winds to an island far out to sea. She is the first fly to arrive on this island and the only fly to arrive in this way. Thousands of years later, her numerous offspring occupy the island, but none of them resembles her. There are, instead, several species, each of which eats only a certain type of food. None of the species can fly and their balancing organs (halteres) are now used in courtship displays. The male members of each species bear modified halteres that are unique in appearance to their species. Females bear vestigial halteres. The ranges of all of the daughter species overlap.
Which of these fly organs, as they exist in the description, best illustrates an exaptation?

• A) the vestigial halteres
• B) the halteres
• C) the mouthparts
• D) the eggs

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Definitions:

Economic Resource

Assets or inputs used in the production of goods and services, including land, labor, capital, and entrepreneurship.

Affluent Society

refers to a society that enjoys a higher standard of living due to significant wealth accumulation, leading to a focus on consumerism and allocation of resources beyond basic needs.

Economic Problem

The fundamental challenge of meeting the unlimited needs and desires of individuals with limited resources, necessitating choices and priorities in allocation.

Standard Of Living

The level of prosperity, amenities, material possessions, and basic needs accessible to a specific social class or region.