Question

select all the correct answers.

a population of mussels was observed in a particular ecosystem. crabs have recently been observed occupying this ecosystem, which is a novel environment for this crab species. it was found that crabs preferred these mussels as their favorite food. a few of these mussels developed a thicker shell to protect themselves from crabs found in the region. which three statements does this adaptation suggest?

• a change in the environment led to a new distribution of traits in a population.
• the trait of shell thickening underwent natural selection.
• the trait for shell thickening will not be selected by future mussel generations.
• half of the mussel population developed the trait while the other half did not.
• mussels with the shell thickening trait had a greater chance of survival.

Explanation:

Analizar el cambio ambiental

Using the Concept of Evolution knowledge point
El cambio en el ecosistema (introducción de cangrejos depredadores) actúa como una nueva presión selectiva sobre la población de mejillones.

Evaluar la selección natural

Using the Natural Selection Mechanisms knowledge point
La presencia de depredadores favorece a los individuos con conchas más gruesas, aumentando su frecuencia en la población a lo largo del tiempo.

Determinar la ventaja adaptativa

Using the Evolutionary Adaptation knowledge point
Los mejillones con conchas más gruesas tienen mayor probabilidad de sobrevivir y reproducirse bajo esta nueva presión de depredación.

Descartar opciones incorrectas

La afirmación sobre la no selección futura contradice la ventaja adaptativa actual. No hay evidencia de que exactamente la mitad de la población desarrollara el rasgo.

Answer:

• A change in the environment led to a new distribution of traits in a population. (Correct answer)
• The trait of shell thickening underwent natural selection. (Correct answer)
• The trait for shell thickening will not be selected by future mussel generations.
• Half of the mussel population developed the trait while the other half did not.
• Mussels with the shell thickening trait had a greater chance of survival. (Correct answer)