A 2019 study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution looked at data from more than 1,500 species of birds, mammals, and fish in order to determine whether their rate of evolutionary change was linked to species survival. The study found that while some species did evolve faster than others, there was no clear relationship between evolutionary rate and survival. Instead, the study suggests that previous species success predicts species survival much more accurately than speed of adaptation does. Which finding, if true, would most directly support the underlined claim? Choose 1 answer: Choose 1 answer: (Choice A) Endangered and extinct species displayed a significantly slower evolutionary rate than other species. A Endangered and extinct species displayed a significantly slower evolutionary rate than other species. (Choice B) Evolutionary rate only impacted species survival when adaptations were linked to environmental pressures. B Evolutionary rate only impacted species survival when adaptations were linked to environmental pressures. (Choice C) Successful species tended to remain more successful than more quickly-evolving competitors. C Successful species tended to remain more successful than more quickly-evolving competitors. (Choice D) Invasive species that overtook competitors tended to exhibit a higher evolutionary rate than other species. D Invasive species that overtook competitors tended to exhibit a higher evolutionary rate than other species.

Answer 1

The finding that would most directly support the underlined claim that previous species success predicts species survival more accurately than speed of adaptation does is:

(Choice C) Successful species tended to remain more successful than more quickly-evolving competitors.

This choice emphasizes that species that have had previous success continue to thrive, regardless of the speed at which they evolve, which aligns with the study's conclusions about the lack of a clear relationship between evolutionary rate and survival.