Enhanced vision resulting in higher energy consumption
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of an evolutionary trade-off: An evolutionary trade-off occurs when a beneficial change in one trait is linked to a detrimental change in another trait. This is due to the allocation of limited resources, where improving one trait may come at the cost of another.
Analyze each option to determine if it represents a trade-off: A trade-off will involve a positive change in one trait that negatively impacts another trait.
Option 1: 'Improved camouflage with no impact on other traits' - This option suggests a beneficial change (improved camouflage) without any negative impact on other traits, indicating no trade-off.
Option 2: 'Increased size leading to slower movement' - Here, the benefit of increased size is offset by the disadvantage of slower movement, representing a trade-off.
Option 3: 'Greater reproductive output causing shorter lifespan' and Option 4: 'Enhanced vision resulting in higher energy consumption' both describe scenarios where a positive trait is linked to a negative consequence, indicating trade-offs. Therefore, the option that does not describe a trade-off is the one where improved camouflage has no impact on other traits.