Question
A new predator is introduced into an ecosystem. Over several generations, there is an increase in the speed of a prey species.
Which evidence would help support that this change is due to natural selection and not just a correlation?
(1 point)
Responses
Genetic analysis showing changes in genes of the prey.
Genetic analysis showing changes in genes of the prey.
Observations that faster prey have a higher survival rate.
Observations that faster prey have a higher survival rate.
Data showing that increased speed coincided with the predator’s introduction.
Data showing that increased speed coincided with the predator’s introduction.
Climate data showing no significant temperature changes in the ecosystem.
Which evidence would help support that this change is due to natural selection and not just a correlation?
(1 point)
Responses
Genetic analysis showing changes in genes of the prey.
Genetic analysis showing changes in genes of the prey.
Observations that faster prey have a higher survival rate.
Observations that faster prey have a higher survival rate.
Data showing that increased speed coincided with the predator’s introduction.
Data showing that increased speed coincided with the predator’s introduction.
Climate data showing no significant temperature changes in the ecosystem.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The strongest evidence that supports the change in prey speed due to natural selection, rather than just a correlation, would be:
**Genetic analysis showing changes in genes of the prey.**
This would indicate that the changes in speed are likely a result of inherited traits that have been selected for in response to the new predator, demonstrating a clear link between the environmental pressure (the predator) and the genetic adaptations of the prey.
**Genetic analysis showing changes in genes of the prey.**
This would indicate that the changes in speed are likely a result of inherited traits that have been selected for in response to the new predator, demonstrating a clear link between the environmental pressure (the predator) and the genetic adaptations of the prey.