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After common ragweed reached Japan a century ago and escaped their leaf beetle enemies, populations of the plants evolved reduced investment in defense and greater investment in growth. Which of the following scenarios is most likely now happening as a result? a) Ragweed populations are declining. b) Ragweed populations are growing rapidly. c) Ragweed populations are adapting to produce more defensive chemicals. d) Ragweed populations are not affected by leaf beetles.
After common ragweed reached Japan a century ago and escaped their leaf beetle enemies, populations of the plants evolved reduced investment in defense and greater investment in growth. Which of the following scenarios is most likely now happening as a result? a) Ragweed populations are declining. b) Ragweed populations are growing rapidly. c) Ragweed populations are adapting to produce more defensive chemicals. d) Ragweed populations are not affected by leaf beetles.
Final answer:Most likely, the ragweed populations are now growing more rapidly because they've evolved to prioritize growth over defense. This example shows theevolutionary trade-offplants can make based on the presence or absence of threats from pests, and doesn't mean the population would be unaffected by the return or new introduction of beetle predators. The option (B) is correct.Explanation:The scenario most likely to be occurring isRagweed populationsare growing rapidly. As mentioned in your question, common ragweed in Japan has evolved to prioritize growth over defense since being relieved of the pressure from its leaf beetle enemies. The concept here relates to the evolutionary trade-offs that plants and animals can make based on their environmental conditions.A core principle in biology is that resources are limited, so investments in one type of adaptation usually mean reductions in others. In this case, the ragweed is no longer investing as much inchemical or physical defensesagainst beetles, so it can grow more rapidly and extensively. This evolutionary response also highlights the concept of defense mechanisms against predation and herbivoryHowever, it doesn't mean the ragweed population would be unaffected by the return of the leaf beetles or the introduction of other pests or diseases, but that is a separate scenario. This example showcases how shifts inenvironmental pressurescan lead to changes in species traits and population dynamics. Therefore, option (B) is correct.Learn more about Evolutionary Trade-offs here:brainly.com/question/31495303#SPJ11...