Question

(a) Which species would probably fare better in response to a pathogen that infects all Mimulus species? (b) Which species would fare better if a pathogen caused hummingbird populations to dwindle?

Short answer

(a) In the face of a disease that infects all Mimulus species, the sexually reproducing species would presumably fare better. Because of the population's genetic diversity, a few people with the qualities required to escape or combat the virus are more likely.

(b) Asexually reproducing species would presumably fare better if hummingbird populations declined due to disease because asexual reproduction does not rely on hummingbird pollinators.

Step-by-step solution

Pathogen

A pathogen is a type of microbe that is responsible for causing disease in other organisms. Pathogens can be bacteria, viruses, or other microorganisms that enter the host cell or body without permission, proliferate within it, and then disseminate throughout the body via a brust opening.

Explanation for part(a)

Sexually reproducing species will lead to genetic variability; it refers to the differences in DNA sequence seen in each human genome. All organisms are distinct due to genetic variation. Mutation, gene flow across populations, and sexual reproduction all contribute to genetic variation.

Explanation for part(b)

The process of cross-pollination is typically dependent on pollinating agents in plant sexual reproduction, whereas asexual reproduction is not. They do not require pollinators since they reproduce by budding and fermentation, so asexual reproduction is best for this.