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 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.

Answer 1

The statement that is most likely true based on the information provided is: "The proportion of long-tailed squirrels may have increased due to increased food availability."

This is because if food availability increased, it could lead to better survival rates for squirrels overall, but especially for long-tailed squirrels, which are better equipped for climbing and accessing food in trees. This could contribute to the observed increase in the proportion of long-tailed squirrels over time. The other options do not align as well with the observed increase in long-tailed squirrels.