A group of sand crabs and a group of bright red crabs that are the same size live on the same beach. When a predatory bird comes, it normally eats the bright red crabs while the sand crabs typically survive and go on to reproduce. Over time, the number of sand crabs greatly outnumbers the bright red crabs.

Question

What is one likely reason that the sand crab developed its sandy color?
Responses

It likely adapted the color to help it catch fish at the ocean’s surface.
It likely adapted the color to help it catch fish at the ocean’s surface.

It likely adapted the color to increase its speed on the sand.
It likely adapted the color to increase its speed on the sand.

It likely adapted the color to hide from predators in the sand.
It likely adapted the color to hide from predators in the sand.

It likely adapted the color so it can dig deep enough to avoid sand predators.
It likely adapted the color so it can dig deep enough to avoid sand predators.

Answer 1

The most likely reason that the sand crab developed its sandy color is:

It likely adapted the color to hide from predators in the sand.

This color adaptation provides camouflage, helping the sand crab avoid being seen and eaten by predatory birds, thereby increasing its chances of survival and reproduction.