Aussie Maths & Science Teachers: Save your time with SmarterEd
Researchers have observed significant changes in cane toad populations since their introduction to Australia.
Describe one modern-day adaptation discovered in cane toads how it relates to the process of natural selection. (3 marks)
--- 5 WORK AREA LINES (style=lined) ---
→ Recent studies have revealed that cane toads at the invasion front in Australia have evolved to disperse more rapidly than their ancestors.
→ These modern toads have developed longer legs, allowing them to hop faster, cover greater distances and colonise new areas more quickly than initially predicted.
→ These changes support natural selection by demonstrating an inherited trait that is passed to offspring and becomes more common in the population.
→ However, researchers have also found that faster “front line” cane toads are more likely to be eaten, breed less and have more spine arthritis than their ancestors.
→ The natural selection principle of traits that enhance survival and reproductive success being passed on is seemingly contradicted by these findings.
→ Recent studies have revealed that cane toads at the invasion front in Australia have evolved to disperse more rapidly than their ancestors.
→ These modern toads have developed longer legs, allowing them to hop faster, cover greater distances and colonise new areas more quickly than initially predicted.
→ These changes support natural selection by demonstrating an inherited trait that is passed to offspring and becomes more common in the population.
→ However, researchers have also found that faster “front line” cane toads are more likely to be eaten, breed less and have more spine arthritis than their ancestors.
→ The natural selection principle of traits that enhance survival and reproductive success being passed on is seemingly contradicted by these findings.