If green anoles face predation by ground-dwelling predators, which hypothesis is plausible?

• A. Increase in brown anoles to the same height.
• B. Predation by ground-dwelling predators could drive arboreal traits.
• C. Decrease in toe pads.
• D. No change in habitat use.

Answer: (B)

Predation pressure from ground-dwelling predators can favor traits that improve life in the trees and reduce grounding risk. When predators target individuals on the ground, lizards that stay higher in vegetation and move efficiently among branches have a higher chance of surviving and passing on their genes. Traits that support this arboreal lifestyle, such as better gripping ability and stability on vegetation (for example, enhanced toe pads and limb control), become advantageous. So the plausible hypothesis is that predation by ground-dwelling predators could drive arboreal traits, helping green anoles avoid ground danger.

The other ideas don’t align as directly with predator-driven changes. Shifting brown anoles to the same height speaks more to competition than to predator pressure. Decreasing toe pads would hinder climbing and likely increase predation risk rather than reduce it. No change in habitat use would overlook the selective force imposed by ground predators.