Final answer:
The mutation most likely to spread in a population is d. A predator species develops faster reflexes, as this adaptive trait would enhance the predator's ability to catch prey, improving its survival and reproductive success.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mutation that is most likely to spread through a population is the one that provides a selective advantage—one that helps individuals survive and reproduce more successfully than others. Considering the choices given, d. A predator species develops faster reflexes is the mutation most likely to spread. Faster reflexes in a predator species are an adaptive trait that would likely improve the species' ability to catch prey and therefore increase its survival and reproductive success.
In contrast, an extra tail (a) might not provide a significant benefit, slower reflexes in either a predator (c) or prey (b) species are likely to hinder survival, and adaptations such as camouflaged coloration, sharp spines, or toxins (b, d) are specific responses to particular environmental pressures that don't apply generally. Moreover, the introduction of advantageous alleles through mutation or genetic drift, as well as the traits favored by natural or sexual selection (d), would help the advantageous trait to reach a steady, high frequency in the population. In the case of allopatric speciation (question 10 and 12) and competition between species (c), while the concepts are related to evolution and population genetics, they do not directly inform which mutation will spread through a population.