Question

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

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

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.

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.

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

Answer 1

The best statement that explains the change in plant population after selection is:

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

This statement suggests that the environmental pressures (high winds and organisms feeding on short vegetation) created conditions where medium-height plants had a survival advantage over both tall and short plants, leading to a shift in the population's height distribution.