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
Climate data showing no significant temperature changes in the ecosystem.
Climate data showing no significant temperature changes in the ecosystem.
Data showing that increased speed coincided with the predator’s introduction.
Data showing that increased speed coincided with the predator’s introduction.
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.
Which evidence would help support that this change is due to natural selection and not just a correlation?
(1 point)
Responses
Climate data showing no significant temperature changes in the ecosystem.
Climate data showing no significant temperature changes in the ecosystem.
Data showing that increased speed coincided with the predator’s introduction.
Data showing that increased speed coincided with the predator’s introduction.
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.
Answers
GPT-4o mini
The evidence that would help support that the increase in speed of the prey species is due to natural selection and not just a correlation is:
**Observations that faster prey have a higher survival rate.**
This provides direct evidence of a selective advantage related to the trait (speed) in the presence of the new predator, indicating that natural selection is likely driving the observed change in the prey population.
**Observations that faster prey have a higher survival rate.**
This provides direct evidence of a selective advantage related to the trait (speed) in the presence of the new predator, indicating that natural selection is likely driving the observed change in the prey population.