A population of wild sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) inhabits a drought-prone habitat. Jane is a scientist
interested in understanding the evolutionary dynamics of this system, and has recorded data on this
population for multiple years at the end of each growing season. Below is part of her dataset.
Year
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
Population size (# individuals)
152
147
31
78
125
145
Mean plant height (cm)
215
230
105
195
205
217
Mean leaf size (cm²)
20.2
18.6
5.1
5.7
5.9
5.4
Mean number of branches (#)
4.1
4.0
4.2
3.9
4.2
4.1
Mean seed production (#
seeds/plant)
25
28
5
26
24
27
The year 2014 was a severe drought year for this population, while all other years have been relatively
moist. Jane sees patterns in her data, and knows from other sources that some of her traits are highly
heritable and others are not. While this heritability data is not presented, based on the change
in mean trait values over time in Jane's dataset, which scenario is compatible with the data?
Mean number of branches is not heritable but highly plastic with environment.
Mean number of branches is both heritable and highly plastic with environment.
Mean plant height is not heritable and responded to selection from the drought event.
Mean leaf size is heritable and responded to selection from the drought event.