Question

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 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.
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 short-tailed squirrels may have decreased due to an increase in trees.

Answer 1

The statement that is most likely is:

The proportion of short-tailed squirrels may have decreased due to decreased food availability.

This is because the long-tailed squirrels are better adapted for life in trees, which suggests that they might be more successful at obtaining resources (such as food) in that environment, leading to their increased proportion in the population over time. If food availability decreased, it could disproportionately affect short-tailed squirrels, causing their numbers to decline relative to long-tailed squirrels.