Question

a wildlife program has monitored a population of desert lizards for over 80 years. the lizard population has been highly successful during this time. biologists hypothesize that natural selection has been acting on the population, helping it thrive in its environment. select the three observations that best support this hypothesis. the lizards have been able to survive extreme temperature changes in their habitat. the lizards have been unable to survive shifts in their habitat conditions. most lizards appear nearly identical due to a lack of genetic variation. lizards show differences in traits such as skin color and behavior due to genetic diversity. the average number of eggs hatched has been less than the average number of adult deaths each year. the average number of eggs hatched has been greater than the average number of adult deaths each year.

Explanation:

To support the hypothesis that natural selection is acting on the lizard population:

1. "The lizards have been able to survive extreme temperature changes in their habitat" shows adaptation (a result of natural selection) to their environment.
2. "Lizards show differences in traits such as skin color and behavior due to genetic diversity" provides the genetic variation required for natural selection to act (different traits can be selected for).
3. "The average number of eggs hatched has been greater than the average number of adult deaths each year" indicates population growth, which is consistent with a population thriving due to natural selection favoring successful traits.

The other options: "unable to survive" goes against thriving, "lack of genetic variation" removes the raw material for natural selection, and "eggs hatched less than adult deaths" would indicate population decline, not thriving.

Answer:

• The lizards have been able to survive extreme temperature changes in their habitat.
• Lizards show differences in traits such as skin color and behavior due to genetic diversity.
• The average number of eggs hatched has been greater than the average number of adult deaths each year.