Many frog species inhabiting tropical rainforests have evolved green skin colour - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 14 - 2002 - Paper 1
Question 14
Many frog species inhabiting tropical rainforests have evolved green skin colour.
It would be reasonable to conclude that the main selection pressure responsible for... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Many frog species inhabiting tropical rainforests have evolved green skin colour - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 14 - 2002 - Paper 1
Step 1
A. predation.
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Answer
Predation is the most significant selection pressure for the evolution of green skin colour in frogs.
This green coloration helps frogs blend into their environment, making them less visible to predators. This camouflage is crucial for survival, as it reduces the likelihood of being eaten, thus allowing the frogs to reproduce and pass on their genes. Evolution favors individuals with better camouflage, reinforcing this trait in subsequent generations.
Step 2
B. climate.
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While climate can influence many factors in an ecosystem, it is not directly related to the evolution of color patterns in frogs as a main selection pressure. Climate might affect habitat conditions but does not serve as a straightforward reason for the green coloration observed in these species.
Step 3
C. reproduction.
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Reproductive strategies can influence coloration; however, in this context, the primary concern is survival against predation rather than attracting mates. The evolution of green skin is more linked to natural selection through predator avoidance.
Step 4
D. infection by pathogens.
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Infection by pathogens might affect frog populations but does not directly explain the evolution of green skin colour. Instead, the coloration has a primary adaptive advantage related to survivability against predators.
