Question

a scientist claims that the hard shell of oysters is an adaptation that has resulted from natural selection. which of the following statements provide support for the scientist’s claim? choose 2 answers: a oysters with thick, hard shells have higher rates of survival and reproduction than those that have thinner shells due to ocean acidification. b oysters are farmed for the pearls that they create. c all oysters have shells to protect the soft parts of their bodies from threats.

Explanation:

• For option A: Natural selection involves traits that increase survival and reproduction being passed on. Oysters with thick shells having higher survival/reproduction due to ocean acidification shows the shell is an adaptive trait from natural selection.
• For option B: Oysters being farmed for pearls is about human use, not natural selection, so it doesn't support the claim.
• For option C: Stating all oysters have shells for protection explains the shell's function, supporting that the hard shell (as an adaptation) helps survival, fitting natural selection's role in trait development.

Answer:

A. Oysters with thick, hard shells have higher rates of survival and reproduction than those that have thinner shells due to ocean acidification.
C. All oysters have shells to protect the soft parts of their bodies from threats.