Question

Scenario:

A population of beetles lives in a forest where the trees have dark-colored bark. The beetles have two color variations: light brown and dark brown. Over several generations, scientists observed an increase in the number of dark brown beetles and a decrease in light brown beetles.

Birds are the primary predators of the beetles.

Which of the following is the most likely explanation for the increase in dark brown beetles over time?

(1 point)
Responses

Light brown beetles changed their color to match the dark bark.
Light brown beetles changed their color to match the dark bark.

Dark brown beetles survived and reproduced more because they were better camouflaged.
Dark brown beetles survived and reproduced more because they were better camouflaged.

Birds preferred to eat dark brown beetles because they were easier to see.
Birds preferred to eat dark brown beetles because they were easier to see.

All the light brown beetles left the forest for a new environment.

Answer 1

Dark brown beetles survived and reproduced more because they were better camouflaged.

Explanation: Birds prey on beetles more easily when they contrast with the bark, so light beetles were eaten more often. Over generations, the better-camouflaged dark beetles had higher survival and reproductive success, increasing their frequency by natural selection.