Question

adaptations and homeostasis in arctic animals
passage:
scientists studied various organisms in the arctic to understand how they maintain homeostasis and adapt to extreme conditions. they focused on three species: arctic foxes, snow hares, and arctic bacteria.
study 1: seasonal changes researchers tracked physical changes in arctic foxes and snow hares across seasons.
table 1: seasonal adaptations

season	fox fur color	fox fur thickness (mm)	hare fur color	hare fur thickness (mm)
fall	mixed	25	mixed	20
winter	white	35	white	30
spring	mixed	20	mixed	15

study 2: response to temperature changes scientists monitored body temperature regulation in arctic foxes.
figure 1: fox body temperature response to environmental changes
temperature response in arctic fox

time (hours)	body temperature (°c)	environmental temp
3	37.5	37
6	38	38
9	37.5	37
12	37	36

study 3: bacterial adaptation researchers studied arctic bacteria populations exposed to different antibiotics over time.

1. according to study 3, which statement about living things is best supported by the data?

all bacteria die when exposed to antibiotics
populations evolve through inherited traits
bacteria reproduce only asexually
resistance occurs in all organisms

Explanation:

Study 3 focuses on bacteria populations exposed to antibiotics over time. The concept of populations evolving through inherited traits is a fundamental biological principle and is likely supported by data showing how bacteria adapt to antibiotics. Not all bacteria die when exposed to antibiotics (there are resistant strains), bacteria can reproduce sexually (through processes like conjugation), and the statement that resistance occurs in all organisms is too broad.

Answer:

B. Populations evolve through inherited traits