Marsupial mole rats evolved in New Zealand in the 1700s and had few natural predators so they overpopulated the area. Scientist developed a virus to bring their numbers down, which was successful for awhile. After several generations though, their numbers began to increase. Why? *

A. Marsupial mole rats mated with other mole rats and created a new species.

B. Marsupial mole rats learned to survive regardless of being sick.

C. Some marsupial mole rats had a natural immunity to the virus.

d. Marsupial mole rats changed their reproductive cycle and were able to reproduce more.

Question

Biology

Goldie

21 July, 22:30

Marsupial mole rats evolved in New Zealand in the 1700s and had few natural predators so they overpopulated the area. Scientist developed a virus to bring their numbers down, which was successful for awhile. After several generations though, their numbers began to increase. Why? *

A. Marsupial mole rats mated with other mole rats and created a new species.

B. Marsupial mole rats learned to survive regardless of being sick.

C. Some marsupial mole rats had a natural immunity to the virus.

d. Marsupial mole rats changed their reproductive cycle and were able to reproduce more.

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Answers (1)

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Fernanda Kelley · Answer 1

C. Some marsupial mole rats had a natural immunity to the virus.

Explanation:

According to Darwin's evolutionary theory, over time some of marsupial moles may have acquired natural immunity which evolves as an adaptive trait in the population. Since these organisms have more chance to survive and reproduce (survival of the fittest), they will likely transmit the natural immunity to the next generation.