The activity of predators has caused their prey to evolve a variety of protective characteristics.How are prey able to acquire new features?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Prey are able to acquire new protective features through the process of natural selection, which acts on the genetic variability already present in the prey population. Individuals with advantageous traits that allow them to better avoid predation are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on their advantageous traits to their offspring. Over time, this can result in the evolution of new features in the prey population that provide protection against the predation pressures they face. Selective breeding, population explosions, and mating with other species are not known mechanisms for the acquisition of new protective traits in prey populations.

The Activity of Predators Has Caused Their Prey to Evolve