Propose a design for another experiment that tests moth phenotypes in a forest where there are no predators. The limiting factor is food availability for caterpillars and caterpillars with larger mouthparts are able to obtain food faster. What data would researchers take in this experiment to show how natural selection affects the moth populations.

To answer this question, researchers studied populations of the dusky salamander (desmognathus ochrophaeus) living on different mountain ranges in the southern appalachian mountains. the researchers tested the reproductive isolation of pairs of salamander populations by leaving one male and one female together and later checking the females for the presence of sperm. four mating combinations were tested for each pair of populations (a and b)—two within the same population (female a with male a and female b with male b) and two between populations (female a with male b and female b with male a). the proportion of successful matings for each mating combination was measured. for example, when all the matings of a particular combination were successful, the researchers gave it a value of 1; when none of the matings were successful, they gave it a value of 0. then the researchers calculated an index of reproductive isolation that ranged from 0 (no isolation) to 2 (full isolation). the reproductive isolation value for two populations is the sum of the proportion of successful matings of each type within populations (aa + bb) minus the sum of the proportion of successful matings of each type between populations (ab + ba). the table provides data for the geographic distances and reproductive isolation values for 27 pairs of dusky salamander populations.

The embryos of a bird, a reptile, and a mammal are similar in appearance. how does comparing the physical appearance of embryos of different species support the theory of evolution? a. it shows that these organisms share a common ancestor. b. it provides evidence that these organisms eat the same foods. c. it shows that these organisms share the same habitat. d. it provides evidence that these organisms suffered a genetic mutation.

Which term most precisely describes the cellular process of breaking down large molecules into smaller ones? a) catalysis b) metabolism c) anabolism d) dehydration e) catabolism