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)

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

O 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.

O 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 more on beetles that stand out against the dark bark, so beetles with the heritable trait of dark coloration had higher survival and reproductive success. Over generations this natural selection increased the frequency of dark brown beetles.