In a certain population of red squirrels, a mutation causes several squirrels to
be born with darker coats. These coats make the squirrels nearly invisible
when they are foraging on the forest floor.
According to the theory of evolution by natural selection, what is likely to
happen to this trait after several generations?
• A. After several generations, this trait is likely to occur at the same
small frequency because it does not improve the chances that the
squirrels will survive and reproduce.
B. After several generations, this trait is likely to be much more
common because mutations always improve the chances that an
individual will survive and reproduce.
C. After several generations, this trait is likely to disappear because a
mutation cannot be passed on to offspring.
•
D. After several generations, this trait is likely to be much more
common because individuals with the trait will have a greater
chance of passing it on to their offspring.