Researchers plotted a distribution curve for leg length in a population of birds, with length from short to long on the x-axis. The curve shifts to the right after a disturbance. Which statement is correct about natural selection in this population of birds?(1 point)
Oh, the birds are getting a leg up on natural selection, huh? Well, if the distribution curve is shifting to the right after a disturbance, it means that there is a higher frequency of birds with longer legs in the population. This suggests that natural selection is favoring birds with longer legs. So, the correct statement would be: "The disturbance has led to natural selection favoring birds with longer legs in the population." Those birds with short legs might be feeling a little less fancy now, but hey, evolution always has a few surprises up its feathers!
The correct statement about natural selection in this population of birds is:
- Birds with longer legs are likely to have a higher chance of survival and reproduction after the disturbance.
To determine which statement is correct about natural selection in this population of birds, we need to consider the concept of natural selection and how it relates to the distribution curve for leg length.
Natural selection is the process whereby certain traits become more or less common in a population over time based on their impact on reproductive success. It occurs when certain variations or traits give individuals a better chance of survival and reproduction in a particular environment.
Given that the curve for leg length in this population of birds shifted to the right after a disturbance, we can make a reasonable inference about natural selection.
The most likely correct statement would be: The disturbance favored individuals with longer leg length. This means that after the disturbance, birds with shorter leg lengths were at a disadvantage, while those with longer leg lengths were favored and had higher reproductive success.
To arrive at this answer, the researchers likely observed the distribution curve before and after the disturbance. They may have collected data on leg length measurements from a sample of birds within the population. By plotting these measurements on the x-axis, they were able to create a distribution curve that represents the variation in leg length within the population. The shift to the right indicates a change in the overall leg length distribution.
Further research and analysis would be needed to understand the specific reasons behind the disturbance and why longer leg length became advantageous. This could involve studying the birds' habitat changes, available food sources, predators, or other factors that influenced the selection pressure on leg length.