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:

• A change in the environment led to a new distribution of traits in a population: The crab - mussel interaction is an environmental change (crabs as predators). The shell - thickening trait shows a new trait distribution.
• The trait of shell thickening underwent natural selection: Mussels with thicker shells are more likely to survive (due to crab predation), which is the essence of natural selection.
• Mussels with the shell thickening trait had a greater chance of survival: Thicker shells protect mussels from crab predation, increasing their survival probability.

Answer:

A change in the environment led to a new distribution of traits in a population, The trait of shell thickening underwent natural selection, Mussels with the shell thickening trait had a greater chance of survival.