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Multiple Choice
Why might a population of frogs become predominantly darker in color over time?
A
Lighter frogs have a higher metabolic rate, making them more likely to survive.
B
Darker frogs are less likely to find mates, reducing their numbers over time.
C
Darker frogs are better camouflaged from predators, increasing their survival and reproductive success.
D
Darker coloration in frogs is always a result of random genetic drift, not natural selection.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of natural selection: Natural selection is a process where individuals with traits that provide a survival or reproductive advantage are more likely to pass those traits to the next generation. Over time, this can lead to changes in the population's traits.
Analyze the role of camouflage in survival: Camouflage helps organisms blend into their environment, making them less visible to predators. Frogs with darker coloration may be better camouflaged in certain environments, reducing their chances of being eaten.
Connect survival to reproductive success: Frogs that survive longer are more likely to reproduce and pass their genes, including the genes for darker coloration, to their offspring. This increases the frequency of the darker coloration trait in the population over time.
Consider the role of environmental pressures: Predation is a strong selective pressure. If predators are more likely to spot lighter-colored frogs, those frogs will have lower survival rates, while darker frogs will have a higher chance of survival and reproduction.
Distinguish natural selection from genetic drift: Genetic drift is a random process that affects allele frequencies in small populations. In this case, the predominance of darker frogs is explained by natural selection due to their survival advantage, not random genetic drift.