Question

Consider the following scenario:

A scientist is analyzing one bird population. There is a large amount of variation in size in the population. There are also predators that eat these birds. After collecting evidence on three types of birds (small, medium, and large), the scientist discovers that the large birds are less likely to be killed. The only major genetic difference is the size of the birds. The colors and behaviors of the large birds are the same as those of the small and medium birds.
Using reasoning skills, which is the most credible explanation for what is contributing to this higher rate of survival?
(1 point)
• The large birds may be the largest group in the population.
• The large birds may be the hardest for predators to attack.
• The large birds may be the hardest for predators to see.
• The large birds may be the smallest group in the population.

Answer 1

[AI-generated answer — Bot GPT 3.5]

The most credible explanation for the higher rate of survival among the large birds would be that the large birds may be the hardest for predators to attack. This is because the only major genetic difference between the birds is their size, and if the large birds have a higher rate of survival, it suggests that their larger size may make it more difficult for predators to capture them. The other options, such as being the largest group in the population or being the hardest for predators to see, do not necessarily explain why the large birds are specifically more likely to survive. Additionally, if the large birds were the smallest group in the population, it would not explain their higher rate of survival unless there is additional information about predator-prey dynamics.