A certain population of birds can have one of three beak lengths: short, medium, or long. Birds with short and long beaks can more easily eat seeds than birds with medium beaks. A scientist studies this population of birds for ten years. Most of the birds at the beginning of the study have medium-sized beaks.

Question

How might natural selection change beak length in this population of birds over time? Move the labels to the boxes on the graph.

Response area with 4 blank spaces

Blank space 1 empty
Blank space 2 empty
Blank space 3 empty
Blank space 4 empty
Answer options with 4 options.

A.long break length
B.short break length
C.average break length at the end of the study
D.average break lendth at the beginning of the study

Answer 1

Based on the scenario described, natural selection will likely favor the birds with short and long beaks over those with medium beaks, as they are more efficient at eating seeds. Over time, this could lead to changes in the population's beak length. Here's how the labels would be assigned:

• Blank space 1: D. average beak length at the beginning of the study
• Blank space 2: C. average beak length at the end of the study
• Blank space 3: A. long beak length
• Blank space 4: B. short beak length

This suggests that the average beak length will shift over time from predominantly medium to include shorter and longer beak lengths, as these traits become more favorable in the population.