What probably explains why coastal and inland garter snakes react differently to banana slug prey?
A) Ancestors of coastal snakes that could eat the abundant banana slugs had increased fitness. No such selection occurred inland, where banana slugs were absent.
B) Banana slugs are camouflaged, and inland snakes, which have poorer vision than coastal snakes, are less able to see them.
C) Garter snakes learn about prey from other garter snakes. Inland garter snakes have fewer types of prey because they are less social.
D) Inland banana slugs are distasteful, so inland snakes learn to avoid them. Coastal banana slugs are palatable to garter snakes.
E) Garter snakes learn to eat what their mother eats. Coastal snake mothers happened to prefer slugs.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ancestors of coastal garter snakes were likely exposed to and able to successfully feed on banana slugs, resulting in positive selection of this ability. Inland garter snakes may have never encountered banana slugs, leading to no selection pressure for this trait.

What Probably Explains Why Coastal and Inland Garter Snakes React