Biology Regents Practice Exam

Which variation within a fish population is likely to be passed on to future generations?

1. A swimming speed that is less than that of its predators

2. The presence of bright, colorful markings

3. Being of a size that enables them to hide in rocks

4. The production of a small number of gametes

The correct answer is: Being of a size that enables them to hide in rocks

The variation that is likely to be passed on to future generations is being of a size that enables them to hide in rocks. This characteristic can provide a significant survival advantage in a natural environment. Fish that can successfully conceal themselves are less likely to be preyed upon, which increases their chances of reaching maturity and reproducing. When traits enhance an organism’s ability to survive and reproduce, they are more likely to be inherited by the next generation. This is a key principle of natural selection, where advantageous traits become more common in a population over time. In contrast, traits that do not confer such survival benefits, like a swimming speed slower than predators or the presence of bright markings that may attract attention from predators, are less likely to be favored in the context of survival and reproduction. The production of a small number of gametes might not necessarily relate to survival in the same way; it can depend on environmental factors and reproductive strategies. Hence, size that allows hiding contributes directly to a better chance of survival and passing on that advantageous trait to future generations.