Question

use what you know about natural selection to fill in the blanks in the hypothesis. it should answer the lab question, \what is the effect of the type of food available on the frequency of different types of bird beaks?\ hypothesis: if the type of food available changes, then... ...because...

Explanation:

To complete the hypothesis, we use natural selection principles. Birds with beak types adapted to the new food will survive/reproduce more, changing beak frequency. The "then" part addresses beak frequency change, and "because" links to natural selection (adaptation, survival of fittest). For example: "then the frequency of different bird beak types will change" (as birds with beaks suited to the new food will be more successful) and "because natural selection favors traits (beak types) that enhance survival and reproduction in the new food environment, so birds with beaks better for the available food will be more likely to survive, reproduce, and pass on their beak - related genes."

Answer:

If the type of food available changes, then the frequency of different types of bird beaks will change... because natural selection will favor the survival and reproduction of birds with beak types that are better adapted to the new available food, leading to a change in the proportion of different beak types in the population.