The diagram shows light- and dark-colored beetles that live on a tree. Which result is most likely to occur to the beetle population due to predation over time?
a. Which beetle is considered to be fit for the environment?
b. The light-colored beetle population will _____ over time.
c. The dark-colored population will ______ over time.
d. Which mechanism is responsible for the changes in population over time?
e. If the selection pressure were to change and the bird started eating the light-colored birds, the population of light-colored beetles would ______
a. The dark-colored beetles are considered to be more fit for the environment as they blend in with the tree bark, providing camouflage from predators.
b. The light-colored beetle population will decrease over time due to predation.
c. The dark-colored beetle population will likely increase over time as they are better able to survive predation.
d. Natural selection is responsible for the changes in population over time, as individuals with traits that provide an advantage in their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce.
e. If the selection pressure were to change and the bird started eating the light-colored beetles, the population of light-colored beetles would decrease even further.