Red-eyed tree frog eggs can hatch up to two days earlier than average when they detect vibrations. However, if they hatch more than two days earlier than expected due to vibrations, the embryos are typically not developed enough to survive outside of the egg. Explain how natural selection inhibited frog eggs from hatching any earlier than two days before expected hatching. Explain your answer in 1–2 sentences.(2 points
Natural selection likely favored red-eyed tree frog eggs that hatch no earlier than two days before expected hatching because embryos that hatch too early are not fully developed and are less likely to survive outside of the egg. This would result in a reduced likelihood of passing on their genes to future generations, ultimately leading to the evolution of a mechanism that limits early hatching to ensure greater survival and reproductive success.
