Why are the lighter colored frogs selected against the ?
The Correct answer and Explanation is:
In evolutionary biology, lighter-colored frogs are often selected against in environments where their coloration makes them more visible to predators. This phenomenon can be explained through the lens of natural selection, where organisms with traits that enhance survival and reproduction are more likely to pass those traits on to the next generation.
Explanation
Lighter-colored frogs, particularly in habitats with darker or more camouflaging environments, are at a disadvantage because their coloration makes them stand out. For example, in a forest or swamp setting filled with dark leaves, mud, and branches, a lighter frog is more easily spotted by predators such as birds, snakes, and larger amphibians. This increased visibility leads to higher predation rates among lighter-colored frogs, which means they are less likely to survive long enough to reproduce.
Conversely, frogs with darker pigmentation tend to blend in more effectively with their surroundings, making them less conspicuous to predators. This camouflage provides a survival advantage, as these frogs can avoid detection, escape predation, and thus have higher chances of reaching maturity and reproducing. Over time, this selective pressure leads to a higher proportion of darker-colored frogs in the population, as they survive and reproduce more successfully than their lighter counterparts.
Additionally, this selection against lighter-colored frogs can contribute to evolutionary changes in the population. If the environmental conditions remain consistent, the gene pool may shift, resulting in a population predominantly composed of darker individuals. This example of natural selection illustrates the dynamic interplay between organisms and their environments, where coloration serves as a critical factor in survival and reproductive success.
In summary, lighter-colored frogs are often selected against due to their increased visibility to predators in darker environments, leading to reduced survival and reproductive success compared to their darker counterparts.