Question

The following question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.



Part A:

A random mutation causes a population of pink-colored flowers to change to purple. The tables show the population size of the flowers before and after the mutation occurred.



Before Mutation
Year Population Size
Year 1 5,420
Year 2 5,500
Year 3 5,375
Year 4 5,450




After Mutation
Year Population Size
Year 5 5,450
Year 6 5,600
Year 7 5,380
Year 8 5,500




Which BEST describes the results of the mutation on the flower population?


neutral


beneficial


harmful in the beginning, then beneficial


beneficial in the beginning, then harmful



Part B:

Which BEST supports the choice from Part A?


The population of the flowers is positively impacted.


The population of the flowers remains relatively stable.


The population of the flowers is negatively impacted, followed by a positive impact.


The population of the flowers is positively impacted, followed by a negative impact.

Answer 1

Part A: neutral

Part B: The population of the flowers remains relatively stable.

Explanation: The year-to-year population sizes before (5,420–5,500) and after (5,380–5,600) the mutation are very similar, with only a slight overall increase, indicating no strong beneficial or harmful effect.