Question
Scientists observed a species of bird in one location and collected data on the beak size of the individual birds. Many years later, the scientists again collected data on the beak size of the same species in the same location. They noticed a change in the beak size of the birds, as shown in the graph.
What change could explain the change in the beak size over time?
A.
The population of the bird decreased.
B.
The color of the bird's habitat changed.
C.
A new type of predator was introduced.
D.
The bird's food source changed
What change could explain the change in the beak size over time?
A.
The population of the bird decreased.
B.
The color of the bird's habitat changed.
C.
A new type of predator was introduced.
D.
The bird's food source changed
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The most plausible explanation for the change in beak size over time is:
**D. The bird's food source changed.**
Changes in beak size in bird populations are often related to adaptations to different food sources. If the available food changed (for example, becoming larger or smaller seeds), the birds with beak sizes that are better suited to the new food source would have a survival advantage, leading to a shift in average beak size over time.
**D. The bird's food source changed.**
Changes in beak size in bird populations are often related to adaptations to different food sources. If the available food changed (for example, becoming larger or smaller seeds), the birds with beak sizes that are better suited to the new food source would have a survival advantage, leading to a shift in average beak size over time.