Question

How does natural selection explain the differences in coloration between inland and coastal guppies?

Inland guppies evolved muted colors for camouflage, while coastal guppies developed muted colors because predators in clear water prefer bright colors.

Inland guppies evolved bright colors to signal good health, while coastal guppies evolved muted colors for camouflage.

Inland guppies evolved muted colors to blend into dense vegetation and avoid predators, while coastal guppies evolved bright colors to improve mate attraction and visual communication.

Inland guppies evolved bright colors to blend into the local vegetation, while coastal guppies evolved muted colors to signal good health and attract mates.

Answer 1

Option 2 is correct.

Natural selection explains this as a balance between natural selection (predation) and sexual selection (mate choice). In inland (low‑predation) habitats, males can afford conspicuous, bright coloration because predators are scarce; females prefer bright males, so those traits increase mating success and spread. In coastal (high‑predation/clear‑water) habitats, conspicuous males are eaten more often, so selection favors muted, camouflaged coloration that reduces vulnerability. Over generations these opposing selective pressures produce the observed color differences.