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)

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 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. 
The proportion of long-tailed squirrels may have increased due to a decrease in trees.

The proportion of long-tailed squirrels may have increased due to increased food availability.

GPT-4o mini · Answer

The most likely statement is: **The proportion of long-tailed squirrels may have increased due to increased food availability.** This statement aligns with the observation that long-tailed squirrels are better at jumping and balancing in trees, which would give them an advantage in a habitat with abundant food sources in the trees. If food availability increased, it could lead to a higher survival rate and reproductive success for long-tailed squirrels, resulting in an increased proportion of that trait in the population over time.