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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**Title: The Two-Sided Attack on the Spiny Cactus**

The spiny cactus is a type of plant that thrives in a desert environment. A population of spiny cacti shows variation in the number of spines on their outer surfaces. The graph below depicts the distribution of the number of spines before the introduction of two organisms: collared peccaries and parasitic wasps.

**Graph Explanation:**

- **Y-axis:** Number of Cacti
- **X-axis:** Number of Spines

The line graph illustrates the number of spiny cacti relative to the number of spines they possess. The peak of the graph suggests most cacti have spines in the middle range, while fewer cacti have very low or very high numbers of spines.

**Organisms Introduced into the Ecosystem:**

| Organism           | Relationship with Spiny Cactus Plants                                                                 |
|--------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|
| Collared peccary (musk hog) | They eat spiny cactus plants that have a small number of spines.                                           |
| Parasitic wasp     | 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. |

On the right, there is a multiple-choice question assessing comprehension of natural selection in this context:

**Question:**
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?

- **A.** The data pattern shows variation in the spine number trait, which does not affect survival.
- **B.** The data pattern shows that most spiny cacti have a small number of spines, which affects survival.
- **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 large number of spines, which does not affect survival.
Transcribed Image Text:**Title: The Two-Sided Attack on the Spiny Cactus** The spiny cactus is a type of plant that thrives in a desert environment. A population of spiny cacti shows variation in the number of spines on their outer surfaces. The graph below depicts the distribution of the number of spines before the introduction of two organisms: collared peccaries and parasitic wasps. **Graph Explanation:** - **Y-axis:** Number of Cacti - **X-axis:** Number of Spines The line graph illustrates the number of spiny cacti relative to the number of spines they possess. The peak of the graph suggests most cacti have spines in the middle range, while fewer cacti have very low or very high numbers of spines. **Organisms Introduced into the Ecosystem:** | Organism | Relationship with Spiny Cactus Plants | |--------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Collared peccary (musk hog) | They eat spiny cactus plants that have a small number of spines. | | Parasitic wasp | 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. | On the right, there is a multiple-choice question assessing comprehension of natural selection in this context: **Question:** 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? - **A.** The data pattern shows variation in the spine number trait, which does not affect survival. - **B.** The data pattern shows that most spiny cacti have a small number of spines, which affects survival. - **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 large number of spines, which does not affect survival.
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