A population of deer has some fast-running deer and some slow-running deer. The running speed of deer can vary from one individual to another. The trait of running speed can be passed on from the parent to the offspring. This indicates that the fast-running deer will have offspring that tend to be fast runners and the slow-running deer will have offspring that tend to be slow runners. Which statement can likely be concluded about the population of deer if they are constantly attacked by a predator?

Question

The population of fast runners will increase because they can avoid being eaten to survive and reproduce.
The population of slow runners will increase because they can avoid being eaten to survive and reproduce.
The population of slow runners and fast runners will decrease because they both will be equally preyed on.
The population of slow runners and fast runners will increase because they both will be able to avoid predation.

Answer 1

The most likely conclusion about the population of deer, given that they are constantly attacked by a predator, is:

The population of fast runners will increase because they can avoid being eaten to survive and reproduce.

This statement aligns with the principle of natural selection, where individuals with advantageous traits (in this case, faster running speed) are more likely to survive predation and reproduce, passing on those traits to their offspring. Over time, this can lead to an increase in the proportion of fast runners in the population.