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 decreased 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 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 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 suggests that a favorable environmental factor (in this case, increased food availability) could enhance the survival and reproduction rates of long-tailed squirrels, which are better adapted for living in tree environments. As a result, the population of long-tailed squirrels could increase, leading to a higher proportion over time.
