In an ecosystem, there are two color varieties within a species of toads: brown and green. Over 50 years, the proportion of the population that is green increases from 20% to 50%. Which statement is the most likely to explain this change? (1 point)

Question

Responses

A disease caused a decrease in the proportion of brown toads.
A disease caused a decrease in the proportion of brown toads.

The environment changed such that toads that can jump higher into the trees to survive better.
The environment changed such that toads that can jump higher into the trees to survive better.

Pollution caused a decrease in the proportion of brown toads.
Pollution caused a decrease in the proportion of brown toads.

The environment changed such that green toads can blend into their surroundings better.
The environment changed such that green toads can blend into their surroundings better.

Answer 1

The statement that is most likely to explain the change in the proportion of green toads increasing from 20% to 50% over 50 years is:

The environment changed such that green toads can blend into their surroundings better.

This explanation suggests that the green toads have a selective advantage in their environment due to their coloration, which likely helps them avoid predation. As a result, their population could increase relative to the brown toads.