Question

A researcher discovered a species of moth that lays its eggs on oak trees. Eggs are laid at two distinct times of the year: early in spring when the oak trees are flowering and in midsummer when flowering is past. Caterpillars from eggs that hatch in spring feed on oak flowers and look like oak flowers. But caterpillars that hatch in summer feed on oak leaves and look like oak twigs. The biologist caught many female moths from the same population and collected their eggs, putting at least one egg from each female into eight identical cups. The eggs hatched, and at least two larvae from each female were maintained in one of the four temperature and light conditions listed below. Day Length Environment Temperature (°C) (hours of sunlight) 22 1 I 22 I 16 III 28 12 V I 28 I 16 In each of the four environments, one of the caterpillars was fed oak flowers, the other oak leaves. Thus, there were a total of eight treatment groups (four environments, each with two diet types). Which of the following research questions was the biologist most likely trying to answer? 12 A. How does the same population of moths produce such different looking caterpillars on the same trees? OB. How does learned behavior affect the diet preference in caterpillars? OC. Is diet preference in caterpillars genetic?

Answer 1

I think you are considering (C) as a correct option. You are right .

Correct option is indeed : (C)

Here, researcher is trying to find the relation between color of moth (genetics) and their diet.