[Campbell Biology P.587] Based on the 'Do Ecological Factors Affect Evolutionary Rates?' sec... | Practice Question

Based on the 'Do Ecological Factors Affect Evolutionary Rates?' section and a general observation of the provided graph, which statement is a reasonable inference regarding the longevity of snail species?

  • A: Species with planktonic larvae generally have longer persistence times due to their ability to disperse widely.
  • B: Species with nonplanktonic larvae generally have longer persistence times due to their more isolated nature.
  • C: Larval type has no discernible effect on species longevity; other factors are more important.
  • D: The graph primarily illustrates the exact number of new species formed, not their persistence time or longevity.

Explanation

The 'Do Ecological Factors Affect Evolutionary Rates?' section mentions that planktonic larvae could 'disperse very long distances' and their adults 'tended to have broad geographic distributions.' The graph visually supports that species with planktonic larvae generally have longer horizontal bars representing persistence time compared to nonplanktonic species. Therefore, it's a reasonable inference that wider dispersal due to planktonic larvae contributes to longer species longevity.