What is the best evidence that habitat change affected green anole diet?

What is the best evidence that habitat change affected green anole diet?

• A. Insect abundance.
• B. Diet differences between islands with and without brown anoles.
• C. Lizard color patterns.
• D. Soil composition.

Answer: (B)

When a habitat changes in a way that brings a new competitor, the way a species uses its food can shift. The best evidence that habitat change affected green anole diet comes from comparing what they eat on islands where brown anoles are present to islands where brown anoles are absent. If the diet differs between these islands, it points to the habitat change (the new competitor) influencing prey choices, competition for similar prey, or where the green anoles forage. This direct link between the habitat change and a measurable feeding outcome is stronger than other options. Insect abundance would only tell you how many prey items are around, not whether green anoles actually eat different prey because of the changed habitat. Lizard color patterns and soil composition don’t directly address diet changes caused by habitat alteration.

When a habitat changes in a way that brings a new competitor, the way a species uses its food can shift. The best evidence that habitat change affected green anole diet comes from comparing what they eat on islands where brown anoles are present to islands where brown anoles are absent. If the diet differs between these islands, it points to the habitat change (the new competitor) influencing prey choices, competition for similar prey, or where the green anoles forage. This direct link between the habitat change and a measurable feeding outcome is stronger than other options.

Insect abundance would only tell you how many prey items are around, not whether green anoles actually eat different prey because of the changed habitat. Lizard color patterns and soil composition don’t directly address diet changes caused by habitat alteration.