What happened in the soapberry bug population in central Florida when the bugs began to feed on seeds from the goldenrain tree fruits which are much closer to the fruit surface?

Question

Biology

Kathleen Rich

29 November, 13:40

What happened in the soapberry bug population in central Florida when the bugs began to feed on seeds from the goldenrain tree fruits which are much closer to the fruit surface?

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Answers (1)

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Chris Stanton · Answer 1

The bugs evolved beak lengths that were adapted to their host plant.

Explanation:

This is an interesting case of evolution in which bugs evolved (changed) quickly over a few generations. In less than 50 years the bugs evolved beak lengths to match the size of the new host plant's seed pods. The bugs were not used to live out of that plant but they started feeding on it and then they changed some of their characteristics.