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Scientists recorded flowering information for two Howea palm species found on Lord Howe Island - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 9 - 2023 - Paper 1
Question 9
Scientists recorded flowering information for two Howea palm species found on Lord Howe Island. The information recorded is presented in the following table. | Palm... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Scientists recorded flowering information for two Howea palm species found on Lord Howe Island - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 9 - 2023 - Paper 1
Step 1
Using the information in the table, identify two factors that may have contributed to speciation in these two palms.
Answer
Two factors that contributed to speciation in the Howea palms are:
- Different Flowering Times: H. forsteriana and H. belmoreana display distinct flowering patterns, with varying frequencies of male and female flowering, which affects cross-pollination opportunities.
- Ecological Preferences: The two species possibly adapted to different soil pH and altitudes, with H. forsteriana thriving in more acidic soils and lower altitudes, leading to niche differentiation.
Step 2
Step 3
Explain how these differences between pH and altitude could lead to speciation.
Answer
The differences in pH and altitude favor different adaptations in H. forsteriana and H. belmoreana. Specifically:
- Adaptation to Soil Conditions: The common ancestor was well adapted to acidic soils, while H. forsteriana adapted further to specific low-altitude nutrient conditions. This led to natural selection favoring traits suitable for each environment.
- Reproductive Isolation: Over time, the genetic divergence driven by these environmental adaptations resulted in changes in reproductive traits, preventing interbreeding between the species even if they occupy overlapping ranges currently.