Question

A particular bird species found in North America obtains most of its food energy by catching and eating insects. A mutation arises in this bird population that increases the length of its beak. Although many mutations are harmful, this particular mutation has increased the ability of the bird to catch and eat certain insects. Which of these is the MOST LIKELY outcome of this mutation?
A)The insects that are eaten by this bird are likely to become extinct.B)Sharp pointed beaks will result in the birds eating other more unusual food items.C)Other bird species will be more likely to also develop pointed beaks in order to compete.D)Individual birds with the mutation will be more likely to survive and reproduce than birds without the mutation.

Answer 1

D, if they have the mutation that helps them then they will survive to reproduce.

Answer 2

Answer: .D)Individual birds with the mutation will be more likely to survive and reproduce than birds without the mutation.

Natural selection is the differential survival and reproduction of the organisms that exhibit better phenotypic traits over the other organisms. Any particular mutation or adaptation which occurs in a species and allows it to survive in adverse conditions favors natural selection.

In the given situation, Individual birds with the mutation will be more likely to survive and reproduce than birds without the mutation is the relevant option as it favors the natural selection of the birds which have undergone with the mutation over the one which has not.