Question

Which example is most similar to the evidence that Darwin used to support his idea of natural selection?

When a deer population outgrows its food source, the population slowly dies off.
Birds that eat a variety of foods are not as well adapted to their environment as other birds.
Domestic dogs and wolves share characteristics, so they must have a common ancestor.
Mice that can blend in with their environment and escape predators are likely to survive and reproduce.

Answer 1

The example that most aligns with Darwin's evidence for natural selection is the one concerning mice with camouflage ability, as it showcases individuals with advantageous traits having a higher chance of survival and reproduction, passing those traits to future generations. Therefore, the correct option is D.

Step-by-step explanation:

The example most similar to the evidence that Darwin used to support his idea of natural selection is 'Mice that can blend in with their environment and escape predators are likely to survive and reproduce.' This scenario directly illustrates the principle of natural selection, where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive, reproduce, and pass on those traits to the next generation.

Darwin's theory of natural selection was embodied in the observations of, for instance, Darwin's finches, where beak variations that provided advantages in different food sources were selected for over generations. Thus, mice able to camouflage illustrate a similar concept, where coloration that helps avoid predation can become more common in a population over time. Simply put, those traits that enhance survival and reproduction in a given environment are selected for, leading to changes in the population over generations.

Demonstrated in both peppered moths and finches, natural selection involves variations in traits, differential survival, and the inheritance of those successful traits.