Question

a local scientist has studied the population distribution of a species of snail that lives on the sandy beaches of an island. the island experiences a volcanic eruption. the data from the scientists study of the snail population is summarized in the table below.
prior to the volcanic eruption, which of the following could explain why the percentage of black snails was so much lower than the percentage of light brown snails?
the light brown snails were better than the black snails at using all the available resources.
the allele for black color is lethal in the homozygous condition.
the black color made them more likely to find food successfully.
the black snails were easier for predators to locate on the light - colored beach.

Explanation:

The question is about the survival and predation of snails based on their color. Light - brown snails would blend in better with the sandy beach environment (which is likely the case before and after the volcanic eruption, as the beach color might not change drastically in a way that favors black snails). Black snails, being darker, would stand out more on the light - colored beach, making them easier for predators to spot. This is an example of natural selection where the trait (light - brown color) that provides better camouflage (and thus higher survival rate) is favored.

Answer:

The light brown snails were better than the black snails at using all the available resources.