Question

garter snakes eat slugs, fish, and other small animals. some snakes eat certain types of prey more often than other types. the prey preference trait determines what type of prey a garter snake usually eats. for example, a snake with a slug preference will eat mostly slugs, but a snake with a fish preference will eat mostly fish. the table below describes a possible population of garter snakes over a time period long enough for natural selection to occur. the table shows prey preference in the population at the start and end of this period. data about a population of garter snakes point in time percentage with a slug preference percentage with a fish preference start 99.7% 0.3% end 35.0% 65.0% complete the following statements to construct the hypothesis that is best supported by the data. over this time period, snakes with a slug preference were likely to survive and reproduce than snakes with a fish preference. this means that having a slug preference was advantageous than having a fish preference.

Explanation:

1. For the first table, compare the start and end percentages: the percentage of snakes with slug preference decreased, while fish preference increased.
2. For the statements, use the trend in the data: snakes with fish preference became more common, meaning they had higher survival/reproduction success, making fish preference advantageous.

Answer:

Completed Data Table:

Point in time	Percentage with a slug preference	Percentage with a fish preference
End	35.0%	65.0%

Completed Statements:

1. Over this time period, snakes with a slug preference were less likely to survive and reproduce than snakes with a fish preference.
2. This means that having a slug preference was less advantageous than having a fish preference.