Question

some birds in a population have large beaks that allow them to crack hard seeds better than other birds in the population. over generations, the hard seeds have become the large - beaked birds preferred food. scientists studying the population notice that the number of hard seeds is lower one year than previous years and the population of large - beaked birds is lower the following year. which explanation best describes how larger beaks may be affecting the chance of survival for the birds?
a the birds are easier prey on, so the population will decrease.
b the birds have less food available, so the population will increase.
c the birds are more attractive to females, so the population will increase.
d the birds have other types of food they can eat, so the population will increase.

Explanation:

When the number of hard seeds is lower, the large - beaked birds' preferred food (hard seeds) is scarce. Since their beaks are adapted for cracking hard seeds, if their main food source (hard seeds) is less available, it affects their survival chances. This is in line with the principle of natural selection where the availability of food (a selective pressure) influences the survival of a particular trait (large beaks in this case).

Answer:

A. The birds are easier prey on, so the population will decrease.