Question

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 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 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 a decrease in trees.

Answer 1

The most likely statement is: "The proportion of short-tailed squirrels may have decreased due to increased food availability."

This conclusion is based on the assumption that long-tailed squirrels are better adapted to their environment for activities like jumping and balancing in trees. If the conditions (e.g., food availability) have improved, this could lead to an increase in long-tailed squirrels while potentially causing the population of short-tailed squirrels to decline due to competition or changing environmental pressures.