A species of snail (Tegula funebralis) common on California shores is found in t

Question

A species of snail (Tegula funebralis) common on California shores is found in two distinct populations that rarely interbreed: one from Southern California and one Northern California. In Southern California, Tegula live high up on the shore. In Northern California water. Predators that eat snails (octopi, starfish and crabs) are more abundant California than in Northern California. An experiment was conducted: snails from northern and southern populations were released in deep water. If predators were present, all of the snails moved as quickly as possible to higher ground, (snails can probably sense chemicals released by predators) The results (see picture) were that southern snails moved faster to reach high ground than the northern snails. Because the northern snails were slower, they were more likely to be eaten by predators. In the space below, explain what this experiment suggests In terms of the evolution of these two populations of snail. Be complete and logical in your conclusions. Use terminology that you have learned during this unit of the course.

Explanation / Answer

This particular species of snails were living in two different environments in south and north California. Since they were in different locations they adapted to that environment. In south California predators were more in deep waters so snails lived higher up on the shore. In north California predators were less and snails thrived in deep waters. When these both types of snails were released in deep waters as part of the experiment we observe that the south California snails move faster to the shore in presence of predators. This is their survival adaptation and they seldom stay in deep waters. North California snails are not used to these many predators and their response to predators are slow. So in order to escape they try moving to the shore but their movement is slow. Hence there are more chances of them being eaten by predators. Once they are put in a predator environment they will also adapt like south California snails and live high up the shore.

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