Let us assume that there is a sub-population of wasps that are evolving towards a longer and thinner ovipositor i.e. longer ovipositors are increasing in frequency in the species. Provide a hypothetical natural selection scenario that would result in such a transition from a thick and short ovipositor to a longer and thinner ovipositor. In your answer, you should include pertinent information on: The Original Population 2. Selection Pressures 3. Differential Reproductive Success 4. Selective Advantages 5. Direction of Evolution 6. Expected pattern of Evolution
Consider this: The parasitoid wasp, Pimpla rufipes (common name: black slip wasp) is a species of wasp belonging to the family Ichneumoidae. While the adults feed on nectar, they lay their eggs on the pupae of the gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar) and the large white butterfly (Pieris brassicae). These eggs hatch into larvae and feed on the pupae of its host while it is alive. This species is native to most of Western Europe, some parts of North Africa and their habitats include hedgerows and vegetated areas. Females possess a short, thick ovipositor on its abdomen which is used to deposit the eggs on its hosts’ pupae.
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| Part 1: Evolution |
Let us assume that there is a sub-population of wasps that are evolving towards a longer and thinner ovipositor i.e. longer ovipositors are increasing in frequency in the species. Provide a hypothetical natural selection scenario that would result in such a transition from a thick and short ovipositor to a longer and thinner ovipositor. In your answer, you should include pertinent information on:
- The Original Population
2. Selection Pressures
3. Differential Reproductive Success
4. Selective Advantages
5. Direction of Evolution
6. Expected pattern of Evolution
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