In a habitat, giraffes' necks differ in size. Some have shorter necks and some have longer necks. A drought occurs and the lower-lying shrubs in the area die off. Which of the following is a plausible explanation of what may happen to the giraffe population due to this change?

Question

A.
Almost immediately, the giraffes with shorter necks would decrease in population, and the giraffes with longer necks would increase in population.

B.
Over time, the giraffes with shorter necks would decrease in population, and the giraffes with longer necks would increase in population.

C.
Over time, the giraffes with longer necks would decrease in population, and the giraffes with shorter necks would increase in population.

D.
Almost immediately, both the giraffes with shorter necks and the giraffes with longer necks would decrease in population.

Answer 1

The most plausible explanation of what may happen to the giraffe population due to the drought is:

B. Over time, the giraffes with shorter necks would decrease in population, and the giraffes with longer necks would increase in population.

Here's the reasoning: When the lower-lying shrubs die off due to drought, giraffes with longer necks will have a competitive advantage because they can reach higher vegetation that shorter-necked giraffes cannot. Over time, this could lead to a decline in the population of shorter-necked giraffes as they struggle to find adequate food, while those with longer necks would likely survive and reproduce more successfully, leading to an increase in their population.