If an inherited trait becomes more common in a population over many generations, what is the most reasonable conclusion?

The trait must be a very recent mutation.

The trait has no effect on survival.

Imagine a species of deer where some individuals are born with weaker leg muscles, making them slower. How does natural selection most directly act on this non-adaptive trait?

The slower deer will develop stronger muscles through exercise during their lifetime.

Predators are more likely to catch the slower deer, preventing them from passing on the genes for weak muscles.

The herd will collectively protect the weaker members, ensuring their genes are passed on to maintain diversity.

The gene for weaker muscles will spontaneously disappear from all deer in a single generation.

It will quickly develop a stronger sense of sight to compensate.

Its genes for poor smell will be passed on, but its offspring will not be affected.

The wolf will find a mate with a superior sense of smell to ensure their offspring are successful.

The wolf may struggle to find food and fail to reproduce, meaning its genes are not passed on.

A trait that is neutral and has no effect on survival.

A new genetic mutation that has just appeared in a population.

A characteristic that reduces an organism's chances of survival or reproduction.

A trait that an organism acquires through experience during its lifetime.