Question

lizard body color and survival
the chart below shows the body color distribution in a lizard population over 30 generations. a single gene controls the color of the lizards bodies. two genetic mutations occurred in the original population that resulted in red and black body color. the initial population lived in a sandy environment.
color distribution in lizard population over 30 generations
multiple answer 10 points
an environmental process changed the color of the surrounding land. this process took place from the beginning of the initial generation through the 30th generation.
select the three statements that best explain why the lizards color trait frequencies changed during that same time period.
the red color trait kept most lizards from being able to survive and reproduce in the changed environment.
the black color trait kept most lizards from being able to survive and reproduce in the changed environment.
the brown color trait allowed many lizards to better survive and reproduce in the changed environment.
the brown color trait kept most lizards from being able to survive and reproduce in the changed environment.
the red color trait allowed many lizards to better survive and reproduce in the changed environment.
the black color trait allowed many lizards to better survive and reproduce in the changed environment.

Explanation:

• The brown color trait kept most lizards from being able to survive and reproduce in the changed environment: As generations pass, brown lizard percentage drops (from 80% to 40%), showing it's not advantageous in new environment.
• The black color trait allowed many lizards to better survive and reproduce in the changed environment: Black lizard percentage increases (from 10% to 60%), indicating it's a beneficial trait for survival and reproduction.
• The red color trait allowed many lizards to better survive and reproduce in the changed environment: Red lizards disappear (0% in later generations), so this statement is incorrect.

Answer:

• The brown color trait kept most lizards from being able to survive and reproduce in the changed environment.
• The black color trait allowed many lizards to better survive and reproduce in the changed environment.