Question

this question has two parts. first, answer part a. then answer part b.
part a
the model shows a population of organisms living in a dry environment. some organisms have a structural trait that limits water loss.
which claim best explains how this trait affects the population over time?
the trait allows individual organisms to survive droughts without changing the population
the trait develops in response to environmental stress during an organism’s lifetime
the trait increases survival and reproduction, causing it to become more common over generations
the trait reduces competition between different species

Explanation:

To determine the best claim, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: A trait helping individuals survive droughts doesn't directly explain population change over time.
• Option 2: Traits developing during an organism's lifetime (like acclimation) aren't heritable, so they don't affect population over generations.
• Option 3: A trait that increases survival and reproduction will be passed on more, making it more common over generations (natural selection). This explains population change.
• Option 4: Reducing inter - species competition doesn't directly relate to how the trait affects the population of the species with the trait over time.

Answer:

The trait increases survival and reproduction, causing it to become more common over generations