Scientists Have Hypothesized That Resource Competition May Facilitate Sympatric Speciation

question 36

Multiple Choice

Scientists have hypothesized that resource competition may facilitate sympatric speciation. These graphs illustrate two scenarios: graph A illustrates a normal distribution of both beak size and seed size, while graph B illustrates a normal distribution of beak size but a flat distribution of seed size. Which graph illustrates resource competition?

• A) Graph A illustrates resource competition; different seed sizes have led to the distribution of different beak sizes, so all birds get approximately the same amount of food.
• B) Graph A illustrates resource competition; different beak sizes led to the distribution of different seed sizes, so all birds get approximately the same amount of food.
• C) Graph B illustrates resource competition; because there are equal numbers of seeds available across the size range.
• D) Graph B illustrates resource competition; because there are more medium-beaked birds, there is more competition for medium-sized seeds.

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Definitions:

Bulimia Nervosa

An eating disorder marked by a cycle of binge eating followed by behaviors such as vomiting to prevent weight gain.

Compensatory Behavior

A mechanism aimed at counterbalancing or offsetting a perceived deficit or problem, often seen in eating disorders.

Forced Vomiting

The act of deliberately inducing vomiting, often practiced as a harmful way to control weight or after binge eating.

Bulimia Nervosa

An eating disorder characterized by cycles of binge eating followed by purging, through methods such as vomiting or excessive use of laxatives, to prevent weight gain.