Which lake is more likely to show predator-driven trait variation due to predation pressure?

Which lake is more likely to show predator-driven trait variation due to predation pressure?

• A. Bear Paw Lake
• B. Both lakes exhibit predator-driven trait variation equally
• C. Neither lake
• D. Frog Lake

Answer: (D)

Predation pressure drives natural selection on prey traits. When predators actively hunt, individuals with certain traits—like faster speed, better camouflage, tougher defenses, or more vigilant behavior—are more likely to survive and reproduce. Over generations, these advantageous traits become more common, and you also see variation tied to how different individuals cope with the threat. If Frog Lake has predators that impose strong or varying predation pressure, you’d expect to see clearer predator-driven trait variation there, reflecting how prey adapt to those threats. In lakes with little or uniform predation, such variation tied to predation would be weaker or absent. That’s why Frog Lake is the most likely site to show this kind of trait variation.

Predation pressure drives natural selection on prey traits. When predators actively hunt, individuals with certain traits—like faster speed, better camouflage, tougher defenses, or more vigilant behavior—are more likely to survive and reproduce. Over generations, these advantageous traits become more common, and you also see variation tied to how different individuals cope with the threat. If Frog Lake has predators that impose strong or varying predation pressure, you’d expect to see clearer predator-driven trait variation there, reflecting how prey adapt to those threats. In lakes with little or uniform predation, such variation tied to predation would be weaker or absent. That’s why Frog Lake is the most likely site to show this kind of trait variation.