Question

genetic mutations produce variation quick check
millions of years ago, the ancestors of giraffes had short necks and used to eat leaves from the bushes on the ground. a genetic mutation caused one giraffe’s neck to be taller. this long - necked giraffe was able to eat leaves that were higher up on trees. this gave it an advantage as it was able to access more food than other giraffes. over millions of years, all of the giraffes became long - necked. which type of environmental factor caused this mutation to be inherited? (1 point)
○ radiation exposure
○ polluted environment
○ food availability
○ exercise requirement

Explanation:

The problem is about the inheritance of a giraffe's neck mutation. The key is to identify the environmental factor. Radiation exposure (causes random mutations not related to this adaptive trait), polluted environment (not relevant to neck length adaptation), and exercise requirement (giraffes’ neck length isn’t about exercise) are incorrect. Food availability: the long - necked giraffe could access more food (leaves higher up), so this advantage led to the trait being inherited as it improved survival and reproduction chances.

Answer:

C. food availability