The Reznick and Endler Guppy Study Showed That Life History

Question

The Reznick and Endler guppy study showed that life history traits in guppies ____.  
A) evolve primarily due to migration patterns
B) are unpredictable and random from a human standpoint
C) change very slowly, and only in response to individual guppy needs
D) are unchanged in response to the preferences of predators
E) can evolve rapidly in response to the preferences of predators

Accepted Answer

The Reznick and Endler guppy study showed that life history traits in guppies can evolve rapidly in response to the preferences of predators. This was demonstrated through the observed changes in guppy populations living in different environments with varying levels of predation pressure. Guppies in high predation environments developed traits such as earlier maturation, smaller body size, and increased reproductive effort compared to those living in low predation environments. This suggests that predators exert strong selective pressure on guppy life history traits, leading to rapid evolution of these traits.