Within a flock of birds, some birds have long narrow beaks, and other birds have short wide beaks. Environmental changes happen that make it harder for birds that have short wide beaks to find food. After several generations, most of the flock has long, narrow beaks. Which statement best describes the trait of the type of beak that a bird in this flock has?
Answer
A
Having a short, wide beak is an inherited trait that is chosen by the bird as a result of its experiences.
B
Having a long, narrow beak is an inherited trait that is genetically passed down.
C
Having a long, narrow beak is an acquired trait that is determined by the availability of food.
D
Having a short, wide beak is an acquired trait that is found in birds that have learned to adapt to the environmental changes.
Explanation
Beak shape is an inherited trait: it can be passed from parent birds to their offspring through genes. If long, narrow beaks help birds find food when conditions change, those birds are more likely to survive and reproduce, so the trait can become more common over generations. The long, narrow beak is not acquired by an individual bird through learning or experience.
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