Question

The resurrection fern (Pleopeltis polypodioides) grows on the bark of southern live oak trees (Quercus virginiana). Resurrection ferns that grow on the underside of branches receive less water than those growing on the topside and, therefore, have a fitness of only 0.28. How many of these ferns will be non-reproducing?

a. 52%
b. 72%
c. 80%
d. 28%

Answer 1

b. 72%

Step-by-step explanation:

Survival rate of underside of branches & topside of branches resurrection ferns are equal. Let say p + q = 1

Resurrection ferns that grow on the underside of branches receive less water than those growing on the topside and, therefore, have a fitness of only 0.28

That shows and indicate that they vary in reproducing factor.

let the reproducing factor be (p) = 0.28

let the no-reproducing factor be (q) = ???

0.28 + q = 1

q = 1 - 0.28

q = 0.72

q = 72 %