The graph shows the distribution of plant heights in an original population and also in the population after natural selection.

Question

The plant population grew in an area with high winds and many organisms that feed short vegetation. Which statement best explains the change in plant population after selection?

(1 point)
Responses

Medium-height plants were favored by conditions that harmed tall and short plants.
Medium-height plants were favored by conditions that harmed tall and short plants.

High winds reduced the survival rate of tall plants, resulting in a greater range of plant heights.
High winds reduced the survival rate of tall plants, resulting in a greater range of plant heights.

Plants with narrow stems were more likely to survive than plants with wide stems.
Plants with narrow stems were more likely to survive than plants with wide stems.

Ground-feeding organisms favored short plants, resulting in a taller plant population overall.
Ground-feeding organisms favored short plants, resulting in a taller plant population overall.

Answer 1

The best explanation for the change in plant population after selection, given the conditions of high winds and many organisms that feed on short vegetation, is:

Medium-height plants were favored by conditions that harmed tall and short plants.

This statement effectively captures how natural selection operates in this scenario. Tall plants may be more susceptible to high winds, while short plants may be consumed by ground-feeding organisms. As a result, medium-height plants have a survival advantage, leading to a shift in the population distribution toward that height.