Changes in Organisms over Time Using fossil evidence, scientists can learn how organisms have changed over long periods of time. The chart shows information about how traits of ancestors of the modern horse have changed.

Question

Question
Use the graph to answer the question.

Select two statements that would best explain the change in horses’ body mass over millions of years.

(1 point)
Responses

There was increased food availability.
There was increased food availability.

Large body mass occurred in individuals as they became adults
Large body mass occurred in individuals as they became adults

Horses with larger body masses were less likely to survive and reproduce.
Horses with larger body masses were less likely to survive and reproduce.

Horses with larger body masses were more likely to survive and reproduce.
Horses with larger body masses were more likely to survive and reproduce.

There was decreased food availability.

Answer 1

The two statements that would best explain the change in horses’ body mass over millions of years are:

1. Horses with larger body masses were more likely to survive and reproduce.
2. There was increased food availability.

These statements suggest that larger body size provided some advantages in terms of survival and that an increase in food availability could have supported the growth of larger horses over time.