Question

Consider the following scenario:

In an aquatic bird population, some birds have long legs. Other birds have short legs. The food supply is minimal. The birds with long legs are able to wade farther into the water where they can find fish. Over time, the birds with long legs become more common.

What scientific term best describes this scenario?

(1 point)

fitness

natural selection

mutation

selective pressures

Answer 1

natural selection

Reason: the environmental condition (limited food) favors long-legged birds that survive and reproduce more, causing that trait to increase in the population.