Which of the following describes natural selection?
A) A population of a mammal species varies in the length of their legs; water levels rise and the habitat becomes swampy; the individuals with shorter legs are better able to swim to food; the population evolves to become shorter-legged.
B) A population of a mammal species lives near the water; water levels rise and the habitat becomes swampy; the animals have trouble moving in the water; the population changes to a shorter-legged type so they can move more easily in the water.
C) Water levels rise and a habitat becomes swampy; a population of a mammal species on high ground observes the change; individuals with shorter legs migrate to the area.
D) A population of a mammal species lives near the water; water levels rise and the habitat becomes swampy; the act of swimming shortens the legs of the mammals; the offspring of the mammal species have shorter legs.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Natural selection is the process by which organisms with certain advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce than those without those traits. In this scenario, the individuals with shorter legs are better able to swim and therefore have an advantage over those with longer legs. As a result, they are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their shorter-legged trait to future generations.

Which of the Following Describes Natural Selection