Question

There are two varieties in a population of squirrels: short tails and long tails. Long-tailed squirrels are better at jumping and balancing in trees. Scientists observe that over the span of 100 years, the proportion of the population with long tails increases from 10% to 60%. Which statement is most likely? (1 point)
Responses

The proportion of short-tailed squirrels may have decreased due to an increase in trees.
The proportion of short-tailed squirrels may have decreased due to an increase in trees.

The proportion of long-tailed squirrels may have increased due to increased food availability.
The proportion of long-tailed squirrels may have increased due to increased food availability.

The proportion of long-tailed squirrels may have increased due to a decrease in trees.
The proportion of long-tailed squirrels may have increased due to a decrease in trees.

The proportion of short-tailed squirrels may have decreased due to decreased food availability.
The proportion of short-tailed squirrels may have decreased due to decreased food availability. .

Answer 1

The proportion of long-tailed squirrels may have increased due to better survival and reproduction rates.