You encounter two populations of the same species of slope ivy on a mountain. Population A is found in a humid valley. Its leaves are broad and thin, which maximizes sun exposure. Population B is found higher on the mountain, where the air is dry. Its leaves are thicker and narrower, which minimizes water loss through evaporation. You don't know how often seeds move between these populations. Which of the following do you know to be true, based on the information provided? A. Wide, thin leaves are an adaptation in Population A.
B. Narrow, thick leaves are an adaptation in Population B.
C. Leaf differences are due to acclimation of one or both populations of ivy to different environments.
D. In this example there is not enough information to distinguish acclimation from adaptation.