Question

Which one of the following animals develops adaptive predator avoidance morphology because of the presence of high predator number in its habitat?

• A. Daphnia sp.
• B. Scaphiopus sp.
• C. Wolbachia sp.
• D. Rhodnius sp.

Hint:

Some species, like \textit{Scaphiopus}, exhibit morphological changes in response to high predator numbers in their environment.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the adaptive response.
The genus \textit{Scaphiopus} is known to exhibit predator-induced morphological changes, such as alterations in body shape, which help in avoiding predation when predator populations are high.

Step 2: Analyzing the options.
- (A) Incorrect, \textit{Daphnia sp.} exhibits predator-induced responses, but they are more related to changes in behavior or body size, not morphology.
- (B) Correct, \textit{Scaphiopus sp.} is a genus of toads that develops specific predator avoidance morphology due to the presence of predators.
- (C) Incorrect, \textit{Wolbachia sp.} is a genus of bacteria that does not exhibit predator avoidance morphology.
- (D) Incorrect, \textit{Rhodnius sp.} is a genus of triatomine bugs, not known for adaptive predator avoidance morphology.

Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (B) \textit{Scaphiopus sp.}.