Question

1. urban raccoons display high adaptability by digesting diverse food sources, including human waste. how does this physiological trait contribute to their populations growth in urban settings? (select two correct answers.)

a. it allows them to develop specialized diets based on local environments.
b. it ensures higher survival rates during resource scarcity.
c. it strengthens their immune system against toxins in human waste.
d. it decreases dependence on seasonal food availability.
e. it increases their ability to store fat reserves for long-term survival.

Explanation:

• Option B: Access to diverse food, including human waste, means raccoons have consistent resources when natural foods are scarce, boosting survival and allowing more individuals to reproduce, supporting population growth.
• Option D: Unlike wild raccoons reliant on seasonal natural foods, urban raccoons with diverse digestion can use human waste year-round, so they don't depend on seasonal food availability, enabling steady population growth.
• Option A is incorrect: The trait allows generalist, not specialized, diets.
• Option C is incorrect: The question focuses on digestion of diverse foods, not immune system strength against toxins.
• Option E is incorrect: The trait relates to food access, not fat storage ability.

Answer:

B. It ensures higher survival rates during resource scarcity.
D. It decreases dependence on seasonal food availability.