Discuss how sweet sensitivity in hummingbirds has developed. Describe how the fossil record of hummingbird ancestors might be used to learn more about the evolution of food preferences in hummingbirds

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation
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Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,...
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Please answer this question and label the answer like this answer: So i will know which one is the answer and wont be confused
Base your answer on the following passage and on your knowledge of biology.
Hummingbirds Are Sugar Junkies
Source: http://bug-bird.com/hummingbirds-large-images/
Most humans enjoy candy, cake, and ice cream. As a result of evolutionary
history, we have a wide variety of tastes. This is not true of all animals. Cats do not
seek sweets. Over the course of their evolutionary history, the cat family tree lost a
gene to detect sweet flavors. Most birds also lack this gene, with a few exceptions.
Hummingbirds are sugar junkies.
Hummingbirds evolved from an insect-eating ancestor. The genes that detect
the savory flavor of insects underwent changes, making hummingbirds more
sensitive to sugars. These new sweet-sensing genes give hummingbirds a preference
for high-calorie flower nectar. Hummingbirds actually reject certain flowers whose
nectar is not sweet enough!
Discuss how sweet sensitivity in hummingbirds has developed.
Describe how the fossil record of hummingbird ancestors might be used to learn more about
the evolution of food preferences in hummingbirds
Transcribed Image Text:Base your answer on the following passage and on your knowledge of biology. Hummingbirds Are Sugar Junkies Source: http://bug-bird.com/hummingbirds-large-images/ Most humans enjoy candy, cake, and ice cream. As a result of evolutionary history, we have a wide variety of tastes. This is not true of all animals. Cats do not seek sweets. Over the course of their evolutionary history, the cat family tree lost a gene to detect sweet flavors. Most birds also lack this gene, with a few exceptions. Hummingbirds are sugar junkies. Hummingbirds evolved from an insect-eating ancestor. The genes that detect the savory flavor of insects underwent changes, making hummingbirds more sensitive to sugars. These new sweet-sensing genes give hummingbirds a preference for high-calorie flower nectar. Hummingbirds actually reject certain flowers whose nectar is not sweet enough! Discuss how sweet sensitivity in hummingbirds has developed. Describe how the fossil record of hummingbird ancestors might be used to learn more about the evolution of food preferences in hummingbirds
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