The Collapse of Brazil's Rubber Cycle Was Due to

question 25

Multiple Choice

The collapse of Brazil's rubber cycle was due to

• A) a blight on the rubber trees.
• B) attacks on rubber collectors by hostile natives.
• C) competition from more efficient plantations in the Far East.
• D) the development of synthetic rubber.

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Definitions:

Spermatophore

A capsule or mass created by males of various species containing sperm cells that is transferred to the female's reproductive tract.

Anisogamy

Refers to sexual reproduction involving the fusion of two dissimilar gametes; individuals producing the larger gamete (eggs) are defined as female, and individuals producing the smaller gamete (sperm) are defined as male.

Operational Sex Ratio

The ratio of sexually receptive males to females in a population, affecting mating behavior and competition.

Opportunity For Selection

Refers to the variance in fitness within a population. When there is no variance in fitness, there can be no selection; when there is large variance in fitness, there is a great opportunity for selection. In this sense, the opportunity for selection constrains the intensity of selection that is possible.