There Is a Population of Beetles That Typically Have Black

There is a population of beetles that typically have black wings. A scientist studying these beetles knows that their eggs hatch in early spring, the young insects grow through the late spring and summer, they lay eggs in the early fall, and they die in the early winter. Recently some beetles have been born with white wings. Early in life, the black- and white-winged beetles seem to be very similar in number of mating events, eggs laid, and survival rates, but shortly after laying their eggs, the white beetles die and there are only black-winged beetles during the late fall. Which of the following is a TRUE statement about the beetles?

A) White- and black-winged beetles have equal fitness.
B) Black-winged beetles have a higher fitness than white-winged beetles.
C) The number of baby white-winged beetles will decrease in frequency over time.
D) White wings are an adaptation.

Correct Answer:

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