Part A - Testing a hypothesis A population\'s life history consists of its sched
ID: 258697 • Letter: P
Question
Part A - Testing a hypothesis A population's life history consists of its schedule of reproduction and survival, including age at first reproduction, number of offspring, frequency of reproduction, and amount of parental care. In birds, clutch size (the number of eggs per brood) is an important life history trait, and variation in clutch size is the subject of extensive ecological research Eastern bluebirds are small songbirds that are widespread across eastern North America. Bluebirds nest in natural tree cavities such as abandoned woodpecker holes or in nest boxes provided by bird lovers Eastern bluebird females usually lay two or three clutches of 3-6 eggs each per breeding season, which is in the spring. Late-season clutches are typically smaller than early-season clutches. Clutch size also displays a geographical gradient larger clutches are laid at higher latitudes. What accounts for these seasonal and geographic differences in clutch size? One hypothesis -- the egg-viability hypothesis - - proposes that the variation in clutch size results from reduced viability of eggs in warm temperatures. Observations that led scientists to develop this hypothesis include Birds typically lay one egg a day until the clutch is complete. At that time, they begin incubating all the eggs together, resulting in an equal pace of development. O Bonnie Taylor Barry/Shutterstock . As long as the surrounding temperature is below 24-26°C (752-783°F) , the temperature that triggers development, the earlier-laid eggs "keep." However, when eggs are exposed for an extended period to a temperature range between the trigger temperature and the optimum incubation temperature, 36-39°C (96.8-102.2°F), development goes awry What prediction(s) can researchers make based on the egg-viability hypothesis? Select all that apply. The probability of hatching failure will be higher for eggs laid later within a clutch The probability of hatching failure will be higher later in the spring season The probability of hatching failure will be lower at higher latitudes O The probability of hatching failure will be higher in large clutches Submit Request AnswerExplanation / Answer
Following predictions can be made based on the egg-viability hypothesis:
The probability of hatching failure will be higher later in the spring seasson
The probability of hatching failure will be lower at higher latitudes
The probability of hatching failure will be higher in large clutches