In neighbouring regions, the fruits of other introduced plants have also been used by the soapberry bug - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 20 - 2011 - Paper 1
Question 20
In neighbouring regions, the fruits of other introduced plants have also been used by the soapberry bug. Male and female soapberry bugs from different regions can in... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:In neighbouring regions, the fruits of other introduced plants have also been used by the soapberry bug - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 20 - 2011 - Paper 1
Step 1
A. different types of host plants have fruiting seasons which do not overlap.
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Answer
This situation would limit the interactions between soapberry bugs from different regions, as they would not be able to find food or mates during the same time period. As a result, it would lead to increased genetic isolation, as the two populations would diverge over time due to limited gene flow.
Step 2
B. pheromones of female soapberry bugs attract soapberry males from neighbouring populations.
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Answer
This scenario would actually promote interbreeding rather than genetic isolation, as it facilitates contact between populations rather than hindering it.
Step 3
C. the soapberry tree is common throughout the distribution and each tree produces large amounts of fruit.
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This condition suggests that resources are plentiful, allowing both populations to thrive and thus encouraging interbreeding rather than isolation.
Step 4
D. male soapberry bugs new to a region are reproductively active, whereas female bugs need to feed before becoming reproductively active.
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This could lead to reduced mating opportunities for new males, but it does not inherently cause genetic isolation as the populations may still interbreed when females become active.
