Final answer:
Meredith Palmer's research discovered that prey behavior changes with the lunar cycle, though there is no direct increase in predatory risk or odd behavior during a full moon. The relationship between the moon's phases, prey behavior, and predation is complex and not solely determined by levels of moonlight. Therefore correct option is D
Step-by-step explanation:
Meredith Palmer discovered that the prey adjust their behavior in different ways according to the phases of the moon. Her research indicates that the connection between moonlight and lion prey is dynamic, with prey animals exhibiting different patterns of behavior in response to the changing levels of natural illumination provided by the moon. Despite folklore suggesting that animals and even humans display more odd behavior during a full moon, scientific evidence does not seem to support this, indicating instead that a full moon doesn't necessarily increase predatory risk or cause a spike in crazy behavior. Instead, behaviors may be more noticeable due to the increased visibility the moonlight provides.
Regarding the evolution of sleep, it has been proposed that there may be an adaptive element related to reducing the risk of predation by being less active or visible during darker periods. However, this relationship is complex and the amount of deep sleep a species gets does not straightforwardly correlate with its predatory risks. Similarly, light pollution from urban areas disrupts nocturnal patterns for wildlife, drawing attention to the importance of maintaining dark skies.