Been wondering for a while why so many animals and our old relative the homo Floresiensis grew to be so small on this particular island. Is it to do with natural predators or maybe the food? Anyone have any clue?
In: 19
Upping your weight class is normally a response to predation. The larger you get the fewer things are capable of eating you. If you don’t have predators then staying small and energy efficient will likely be selected for.
Galapagos turtles are a bit of an outlier. They don’t have any predators either but larger bodies and long necks let them reach plants that are higher off the ground. Birds and agile small mammals can usually reach all the calories available.
Latest Answers