After common ragweed reached Japan a century ago and escaped their leaf beetle enemies, populations of the plants evolved reduced investment in defense and greater investment in growth. During the last 20 years or so, ragweed leaf beetles have appeared in some parts of mainland Japan. Which of the following scenarios is most likely now happening as a result? a) Japanese ragweed is evolving back toward greater investment in defense and reduced investment in growth, as a result of selection by herbivory from beetles b) Japanese ragweed is not evolving a new investment strategy, because it takes more than a couple of decades for a population to evolve. c) Japanese ragweed is not evolving a new investment strategy, because the beetles no longer eat the plants d) Japanese ragweed is evolving greater investment in defense and greater investment in growth, because both defense and growth are beneficial

The correct answer is A) Japanese ragweed is evolving back toward greater investment in defense and reduced investment in growth, as a result of selection by herbivory from beetles.

After common ragweed reached Japan a century ago and escaped their leaf beetle enemies, populations of the plants evolved reduced investment in defense and greater investment in growth. During the last 20 years or so, ragweed leaf beetles have appeared in some parts of mainland Japan. The scenario that is most likely to happening now as a result? is "Japanese ragweed is evolving back toward greater investment in defense and reduced investment in growth, as a result of selection by herbivory from beetles."

Invasive populations of plants can move very rapidly to adapt despite different environmental conditions. When these plants run away from natural enemies, they can better adapt to new climate conditions. Ragweed has its origins in tropical places of the American continent. Specifically in the north part of the Mexican territory and the southern lands of the United States.

a community that experiences major changes undergoes progress