Question

How does shell pattern in limpets show disruptive selection?

• A. The shell pattern is yellowish and discontinuous
• B. Light-colored limpets were preyed
• C. Tan colored limpets were preyed
• D. Intermediate colored limpets were preyed

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Intermediate colored limpets were preyed

• Limpets shell has a continuous pattern with color ranging from pure white to dark tan.

• They either attached to white gooseneck barnacles or to tan colored rocks.

• The light-colored limpets camouflaged with white barnacles while tanned limpets camouflaged on tan-colored rocks.

• But, the limpets with intermediate shell patterns were conspicuous and were preyed by predatory shorebirds.