Question

How would the running speed of the predator affect the diversity of the chipmunk population and the shape of the

graph after several generations?

A.The graph would remain unchanged because the speed of the predator
would not affect the number or
types of chipmunks in the population.
B.The graph would skew to the left because chipmunks that can run less
than 8.5 miles per hour would make
up the majority of the population.
C.The graph would skew to the right because chipmunks that can run over
8.5 miles per hour would make up
the majority of the population.
D.The graph would dip in the middle because there would be an increase in
chipmunks at both running speed
extremes in the population.

Answer 1

The running speed of predators would cause directional selection in the chipmunk population, leading to a graph that skews to the right as faster chipmunks become more prevalent over generations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The running speed of the predator will significantly affect the diversity of the chipmunk population and the shape of the graph after several generations. If the predator is fast, it will catch more of the slower chipmunks, leaving the quicker ones to survive and reproduce. Over time, this selective pressure would cause a shift in the population's traits toward those that favor survival, in this case, speed. Therefore, the graph would likely skew to the right, as chipmunks that can run over 8.5 miles per hour would make up the majority of the population. This is an example of directional selection, where one extreme of a trait is favored over the other.