Biologists discover that the male members of a certain species of lizard tend to have orange tails. These biologists are also aware that (a) there is vegetation in the area that can make animals' skin orange; (b) female members of the lizard species are attracted to the color orange; and (c) predators in the area have difficulty seeing the color orange. Based on what we know about evolutionary processes, which statement best describes the likely cause of the lizards' orange tails?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that there is vegetation that can make animals' skin orange, that female lizards are attracted to the color orange, and that predators have difficulty seeing the color orange suggest that the evolution of the orange tail is likely a combination of these factors, rather than a random mutation or a single selective pressure. Therefore, option D is the most likely cause.

Biologists Discover That the Male Members of a Certain Species