Some evening primrose plants (Oenothera biennis) produce seeds that are not palatable to their predators, the Mompha brevivitella moth, while other plants produce seeds that are eaten more often by the moths.  Which of the following conditions is not required for natural selection to occur, with respect to the trait of seeds that are not palatable to the moth predator? In other words, which is not necessary for the adaptation of unpalatable seeds to increase in proportion in the population?  (Choose one.) a)There is phenotypic variation in the population of plants.   b)The variation in the palatability of the seeds is passed from generation to generation of plants.   c)There is competition between the plants for limited resources.   d)Plants with unpalatable seeds are more likely to reproduce than plants with seeds that are eaten by the moths.

Concepts of Biology
1st Edition
ISBN:9781938168116
Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise
Publisher:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise
Chapter11: Evolution And Its Processes
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 15CTQ: If a person scatters a handful of plant seeds from one species in an area, how would natural...
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Some evening primrose plants (Oenothera biennis) produce seeds that are not palatable to their predators, the Mompha brevivitella moth, while other plants produce seeds that are eaten more often by the moths.  Which of the following conditions is not required for natural selection to occur, with respect to the trait of seeds that are not palatable to the moth predator? In other words, which is not necessary for the adaptation of unpalatable seeds to increase in proportion in the population?  (Choose one.)

a)There is phenotypic variation in the population of plants.
 
b)The variation in the palatability of the seeds is passed from generation to generation of plants.
 
c)There is competition between the plants for limited resources.
 
d)Plants with unpalatable seeds are more likely to reproduce than plants with seeds that are eaten by the moths.
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