Which of these is an example of a trait influenced by natural selection?

Enhance your preparation for the NSF Senior Science Bee Exam. Access multiple choice questions with thorough explanations and hints. Boost your confidence and ace the exam!

The coloration of a moth that affects its visibility to predators is a clear example of a trait influenced by natural selection. Moths that have coloration that helps them blend into their environment are less likely to be seen and consumed by predators. This trait enhances their chances of survival and reproduction, allowing those individuals with advantageous coloration to pass on their genes to the next generation. Over time, this can lead to an increase in the frequency of that coloration in the moth population, demonstrating the mechanism of natural selection at work.

The other options highlight behavioral or ecological aspects that don't directly illustrate the concept of natural selection. While animals adapting to domestic environments may involve some selection pressures, it doesn’t specifically illustrate a trait that has been selected for based on survival advantages. Similarly, the presence of large birds in urban areas is more about distribution and adaptation rather than the trait being selected for survival. The amount of food a species consumes pertains to resource use and ecological behavior rather than an inherited trait shaped by the pressures of natural selection.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy