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 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.
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.
1 answer
The most likely statement is:
The proportion of long-tailed squirrels may have increased due to increased food availability.
This is because if long-tailed squirrels are better at jumping and balancing in trees, an environment with increased food availability (potentially leading to healthier, more successful individuals) could favor the survival and reproduction of long-tailed squirrels, leading to an increase in their proportion within the population.
