Imagine that a population of deer living on an island without any predators was threatened with overpopulation, until wolves were imported. After a couple of years, there were fewer deer, but their average running speed and the length of their legs had increased. What process accounts for the change?
A) Genetic impossibility
B) Unfavorable mutations
C) Natural selection
D) Changes due to chance alone
E) Inheritance of acquired characteristics

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Natural selection explains the observed changes in the deer population. The wolves likely preyed on the slower, less agile deer, leaving the faster, longer-legged deer to survive and reproduce, passing these advantageous traits to their offspring.

Imagine That a Population of Deer Living on an Island