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 of three types of small 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 bird. The color and behavior of the birds are the same and those of the smaller and medium birds using reasoning skills, which is the most credible explanation for what is contributing to this higher rate of survival

The most credible explanation for the higher rate of survival of the large birds in this population is likely due to natural selection favoring larger size as a trait that provides a survival advantage against predators. Larger birds may have better chances of escaping or defending themselves against predators due to their size and strength. This allows them to survive and reproduce, passing on their genes for larger size to the next generation. Over time, this can lead to an increase in the proportion of larger birds in the population as they are more successful in surviving and reproducing compared to smaller individuals. This phenomenon is a classic example of natural selection acting on a specific trait to increase the fitness of individuals within a population.