Where in the moth’s territory is the selective force for earlier hatching likely to be weak or possibly detrimental?
Answer
The northernmost edges of its territory.
The intensity of selective pressure regarding larval hatch timing is spatially variable across the Winter Moth’s geographic range. In southern or milder regions experiencing pronounced warming trends, the environmental cue for earlier leaf-out is strong, creating intense pressure for the moth population to advance its own hatching date to maintain synchrony. Conversely, on the northernmost edges of its territory, the spring warming trend might be insufficient or delayed enough that advancing the hatch date offers no benefit, or could even prove detrimental if the advancement causes the larvae to hatch before the still-chilled plants are ready, leading to starvation or mistimed development.
Related Questions
What distinct flight capability difference exists between male and female Winter Moths?What term describes the synchronized timing between an insect’s development and its food resource availability?What specific plant species are mentioned as larval food sources for *Operophtera brumata*?If Winter Moth larvae emerge too late relative to early leaf-out, what condition is the foliage in?What specific environmental cues are suggested to likely control the timing of Winter Moth larval hatch?What significant risk arises if the acceleration of spring warming surpasses the moth's rate of genetic adaptation or dispersal?How can researchers quantify the fitness reduction in Winter Moth populations due to phenological sorting?Where in the moth’s territory is the selective force for earlier hatching likely to be weak or possibly detrimental?What is the primary function of the larval stage in the life cycle of *Operophtera brumata*?What evolutionary adaptation mechanism is considered less likely to be the primary mechanism for the Winter Moth given adult constraints?What is the state of the wings on the functionally flightless female *Operophtera brumata*?