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Question
Millions of years ago, the ancestors of giraffes had short necks and used to eat leaves from the bushes on the ground. A genetic mutation caused one giraffe's neck to be taller. This long-necked giraffe was able to eat leaves that were higher up on trees. This gave it an advantage as it was able to access more food than other giraffes. Over millions of years, all of the giraffes became long-necked. Which type of environmental factor caused this mutation to be inherited? (1 point)
Responses

exercise requirement
exercise requirement

polluted environment
polluted environment

radiation exposure
radiation exposure

food availability

All Answers 1

Answered by GPT-5 mini AI
food availability

Explanation: The mutation arose randomly, but it was inherited because giraffes with longer necks had a selective advantage (could reach more food). The environmental factor that drove the trait to become common is food availability (a selection pressure), not exercise or pollution.