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Multiple Choice
If a bird species requires a long beak to survive in its environment, what is most likely to happen to the short-beak trait in the population over time?
A
The short-beak trait will remain unchanged in frequency.
B
The short-beak trait will become more common.
C
All birds will eventually develop short beaks.
D
The frequency of the short-beak trait will decrease.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the concept of natural selection, which is a process where traits that provide a survival or reproductive advantage become more common in a population over time.
Step 2: Recognize that in this scenario, the environment favors birds with long beaks because they are better suited to survive and reproduce. This means birds with short beaks are at a disadvantage.
Step 3: Recall that individuals with traits that reduce their survival or reproductive success are less likely to pass those traits to the next generation. Over time, the frequency of the short-beak trait will decrease in the population.
Step 4: Consider that the population's genetic makeup will shift as birds with long beaks reproduce more successfully, leading to an increase in the frequency of the long-beak trait.
Step 5: Conclude that the short-beak trait will not remain unchanged, become more common, or lead to all birds developing short beaks. Instead, the frequency of the short-beak trait will decrease due to natural selection.