Over a Span of Several Thousand Years, a Number of Species

question 70

Multiple Choice

Over a span of several thousand years, a number of species show adaptations to climate change: Drier, warmer conditions select for succulent vegetation and deep taproots in plants, burrowing in mammals and amphibians, and other similar adaptive changes. What will happen if the climate shifts in the opposite direction and becomes progressively wetter and cooler?

• A)Ongoing processes of adaptation will continue because of evolutionary inertia.
• B)Different adaptive trends will probably be favored in the new climatic environment.
• C)Current adaptive trends will continue, but organisms will now also have to add on adaptations to deal with cool, wet conditions.
• D)Adaptation will cease because cool, wet conditions are generally favorable for life.

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