Which statement BEST explains why the pattern of data in the graph supports the claim that natural selection could occur for this spiny cactus population? O The data pattern shows variation in the spine number trait, which does not affect survival The data pattern shows that most spiny cacti have a small number of spines, which affects survival. The data pattern shows variation in the spine number trail, which affects survival The data pattern shows that most spiny cacti have a large number of spines, which does not affect survival.

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The Two-Sided Attack on the Spiny Cactus
The spiny cactus is a type of plant that lives in a desert environment. A population of spiny cacti shows variation in the number of spines on their outer surfaces. The graph below shows the
distribution of the number of spines before the introduction of collared peccaries and parasitic wasps.
Spiny Cactus
Organism
Collared peccary
(musk hog)
Number of Cacti
Parasitic wasp
300
200
100
Collared peccaries and parasitic wasps are two organisms that were introduced to the ecosystem in which the spiny cactus population lives. The chart describes the relationship between the spiny
cacti and these two organisms.
70
80 90 100 110 120 130
Number of Spines
Organisms Introduced into the Ecosystem
Relationship with Spiny Cactus Plants
They eat spiny cactus plants that have a small number of spines.
They lay eggs at the base of cactus spines. When the eggs
hatch, the emerging grubs dig into the interior of the cactus
and eat the inner pulp of the plant, usually destroying the plant.
These wasps lay eggs on spiny cactus plants that have a large
number of spines.
Which statement BEST explains why the pattern of data in the graph supports the claim that natural selection could occur for this spiny cactus population?
O
O
A.
O
B.
The data pattern shows variation in the spine number trait, which does not affect survival.
O
C. The data pattern shows variation in the spine number trait, which affects survival.
D.
The data pattern shows that most spiny cacti have a small number of spines, which affects survival.
The data pattern shows that most spiny cacti have a large number of spines, which does not affect survival.
Transcribed Image Text:The Two-Sided Attack on the Spiny Cactus The spiny cactus is a type of plant that lives in a desert environment. A population of spiny cacti shows variation in the number of spines on their outer surfaces. The graph below shows the distribution of the number of spines before the introduction of collared peccaries and parasitic wasps. Spiny Cactus Organism Collared peccary (musk hog) Number of Cacti Parasitic wasp 300 200 100 Collared peccaries and parasitic wasps are two organisms that were introduced to the ecosystem in which the spiny cactus population lives. The chart describes the relationship between the spiny cacti and these two organisms. 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 Number of Spines Organisms Introduced into the Ecosystem Relationship with Spiny Cactus Plants They eat spiny cactus plants that have a small number of spines. They lay eggs at the base of cactus spines. When the eggs hatch, the emerging grubs dig into the interior of the cactus and eat the inner pulp of the plant, usually destroying the plant. These wasps lay eggs on spiny cactus plants that have a large number of spines. Which statement BEST explains why the pattern of data in the graph supports the claim that natural selection could occur for this spiny cactus population? O O A. O B. The data pattern shows variation in the spine number trait, which does not affect survival. O C. The data pattern shows variation in the spine number trait, which affects survival. D. The data pattern shows that most spiny cacti have a small number of spines, which affects survival. The data pattern shows that most spiny cacti have a large number of spines, which does not affect survival.
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