Interpret Evolutionary Trend Data Practice Test

On an island, scientists tracked the mean beak depth of a finch population and annual rainfall. Drought years tend to produce larger, harder seeds.

Year: 1976, 1980, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996

Mean beak depth (mm): 8.1, 8.3, 9.2, 8.6, 9.4, 8.5

Rainfall (cm): 62, 58, 31, 70, 28, 75

Which statement best describes the pattern in beak depth and its relationship to rainfall?

A plant population was tracked for mean flowering time (days after spring begins). A late frost occurred in 2013 and 2014.

Year → mean flowering time:

• 2011: 32 days
• 2012: 33 days
• 2013: 39 days (late frost)
• 2014: 38 days (late frost)
• 2015: 34 days
• 2016: 33 days

Which statement best describes the trend and its likely relationship to the environment?