In Dung Beetles, Males Utilize Two Distinct Mating Approaches

question 9

Essay

In dung beetles, males utilize two distinct mating approaches. Large males produce horns that are used in male-male competition for resources and access to females. Small males, however, lack horns and instead try to sneak by the large males to reach females. Adult body size, horn length, and mating approach are influenced by the nutritional conditions that larvae experience.
Statement: Based on what we know about polyphenisms, it is likely that these phenotypes evolved in discrete, nonoverlapping environmental conditions.
Is this an accurate statement? Explain.

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Definitions:

Proportion of Successes

The ratio of the number of successful outcomes to the total number of attempts or trials.

Population Means

The average values of a particular variable for all individuals within a defined total population.

Statistic

A numerical measure that describes an aspect of a sample of a population.

Antioxidants

Antioxidants are compounds that inhibit oxidation, a chemical reaction that can produce free radicals and chain reactions that may damage the cells of organisms.