Based on Darwin’s ideas of descent with modification and natural selection, which observation would best support the idea that increased competition causes changes in a species?

Question

A population of deer show an increase in antler size over time, which allows them to obtain more mates during mating season

A population of frogs develop greener skin after a hurricane blows away the white flowers in the environment

A population of artic foxes develop a brown fur color as warmer temperatures reduce the number of days of snowfall in the area

A population of rattlesnake goes extinct as the water resources in their environment dry up during an extreme, prolonged drought

Answer 1

The observation that best supports the idea that increased competition causes changes in a species is:

A population of deer show an increase in antler size over time, which allows them to obtain more mates during mating season

This observation suggests that the deer with larger antlers have a competitive advantage in obtaining mates, leading to a higher likelihood of passing on their genes. Over time, this could result in a population of deer with consistently larger antlers due to the selective pressure of competition for mates.