Question

In a hypothetical environment, fishes called pike-cichlids are visual predators of algae-eating fish, i.e., they locate their prey by sight. If a population o algae eaters experiences predation pressure from pike-cichlids, which of the following would least likely be observed in the algae-eater population over the course of many generations? Please note this is asking least likely.
a. Female algae eaters may become larger, bearing broods composed of more, and larger young.
b. The algae eaters may become sexually mature at smaller overall body sizes
c. The algae eaters may become nocturnal (active only at night).
d. Coloration of the algae eaters may become drab.
e. The algae eaters may become faster swimmers

Answer 1

The correct option is (a)

Explanation:

The predators prey by sight, and the larger size of the female algae eaters is a conspicious trait, hence the fishes will be easily identify by the predators. As the larger fishes which are female possess a better broods plays an important role in restoring the wiped out preyed animals population. As, It is said that algae eater population which is under the predation pressure, the population of broods which are large in size will be increased only if the predators free the fishes which are large in size. This shows that these would be less likely be seen in the algae eater population.