Question

The phenotype of an organism can change over multiple generations by artificially selecting for a particular trait. One such example is the manipulation of trichome density on the petioles (leaf stalks) of the Wisconsin fast plant, Brassica rapa.
If a horticulturalist developed a variant stock of the fast plant that expressed a low density of trichomes and grew it in the wild, which of the following would be a major deficiency in the plants ability to adapt to its environment?

• A. The hairless plant would lose its ability to attract pollinators.
• B. A low density of trichomes would diminish the plants ability to absorb nutrients.
• C. A low density of trichomes decreases the plants ability to exchange gases such as $O_2$ and $C{O}_2$.
• D. The hairless plant would not be able to ward off insect predators.

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

The hairless plant would not be able to ward off insect predators.

Exchange of gases is done through Stomata.

Nutrient absorption is done through roots.

Pollinators are attracted to the flowers.

So these functions will not be affected by the change in number of trichomes.

Changes in trichomes certainly it's ability to defend itself from insects.

So the correct answer is 'The hairless plant would not be able to ward off insect predators'.