Experiment: A bird species was studied over 10 years in a changing environment. Beak size data was collected annually.Observation: During dry years, birds with thicker beaks had higher survival rates.Question: Which evolutionary concept is illustrated?
Correct answer: D. Natural selection favors traits beneficial to survival.
- A. Genetic drift led to uniform beak sizes.
- B. Mutation causes all trait changes.
- C. Environment has no role in evolution.
- D. Natural selection favors traits beneficial to survival.
Explanation
The correct answer is option D: Natural selection favors traits beneficial to survival. This is supported by the observation that during dry years, birds with thicker beaks had higher survival rates. This indicates that in this changing environment, natural selection favored the trait of thicker beaks as it conferred a survival advantage. The other options are incorrect because they do not align with the specific observation of beak size influencing survival rates in response to environmental conditions.
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About Scientific Reasoning
Scientific reasoning evaluates hypotheses through observations, variables, controls, measurements and experimental results. Questions involve identifying independent and dependent variables, recognising a fair test, interpreting tables or graphs, distinguishing evidence from opinion, and deciding whether data supports, rejects or leaves a hypothesis unresolved.
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