Biologists hypothesize that the now-extinct American cheetah provided the selection pressure that led to the swiftness of the pronghorn.Which of the following statements is the most likely prediction of how pronghorn speed might change in the next few thousand years?
A) Pronghorns will continue to become even faster; it is always better to run as fast as possible.
B) Pronghorns will become slower as individuals divert energy and resources away from running and toward other features that improve their fitness to survive.
C) Pronghorns will maintain their speed; once a characteristic is developed, it is always retained.
D) Pronghorns will maintain their speed because predators such as cougars, wolves, and coyotes, will remove slower individuals.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the absence of the American cheetah, there may be less selection pressure for extreme speed, allowing pronghorns to allocate resources to other traits that enhance survival and reproduction.

Biologists Hypothesize That the Now-Extinct American Cheetah Provided the Selection