The saguaro cactus has several traits that give the plant a survival advantage in the desert. Widespread roots, thorns, and a barrel-shaped stem all help the cactus stay alive in the harsh environment. Deserts have very little water, and the saguaro cactus has adapted to survive these conditions.

The saguaro cactus can decrease its water loss, increase water intake, and can store water when needed. The barrel-shaped stem stores water that the widespread roots collect. The cactus has long thorns to keep animals away and prevent them from drinking the cactus' water. These trait variations or adaptations help the plant to survive in the desert.

The first trait variation that gives skunks a survival advantage is their dark fur with the bright, white stripe. This stripe serves as a first phase warning for predators who may be tempted to eat it. The second trait variation involves the odorous spray. If the predator is still not deterred, the skunk will raise its tail and threaten to spray the other animal. If the skunk needs to defend itself further, it will cover the predator in a stream of stinky spray. These defense mechanisms are traits the skunk can use to help it survive.

A skunks fur pattern, fur color, and spray will NOT enable it to catch more prey than other animals. These specific variations allow the skunk to defend itself against predators. These are survival traits that the skunk has adapted over many years.

The term advantage means that someone or something has a quality or is in a circumstance that puts it into a superior position. The peacocks in the example that have the most elaborate tail feathers would be more likely to attract a mate because they have an advantage or a superior quality when compared to the other birds. The animals and plants which have variations in their traits that lead to these benefits are going to pass them on to their offspring and create strength in their species or family group.

Trait variations are changes and adaptations to the characteristics for survival and mating. Male frogs need to attract mates, and they use their vocal calls to get their attention. The variation that would attract the most mates would be to have the loudest cry. This would allow more female frogs to hear the calls and react. Frogs with soft, weak calls would not receive as much attention, and those frogs would receive fewer opportunities to meet a mate.

The statement is true and accurate. Some animals and plants have trait variations that lead them to have advantages with attracting mates. If an animal has brighter feathers or a flower has more colorful petals, they are more likely to be selected for pollination or mating. These advantages put them in a better position than other organisms.

Female ducks usually choose the larger and more colorful male to be her mate because they are perceived to be the best choices. If they are large, it probably means they are good at finding food and can protect her and the ducklings. Ducks have a great sense of color so they can see which male has the most beautiful and healthy feathers. The female ducks want the best chance at their baby surviving, so they look for the most reliable genes to pass on. The biggest and most colorful ducks probably have these genes.

Three of the answer choices are characteristics of the animal that it currently has and aid in finding a mate. If a giraffe had a short neck, it would have a hard time finding a mate. Female giraffes know that their food source is leaves high in the trees, so a short-necked mate would mean their babies could have short necks. If the giraffe has a short neck, it cannot reach food as efficiently and may struggle. The female is less likely to pick a mate who could be seen as weak or give her weak offspring.

Trait variations are changes and adaptations to the characteristics for survival and mating. Male frogs need to attract mates, and they use their vocal calls to get their attention. The variation that would attract the most mates would be to have the loudest cry. This would allow more female frogs to hear the calls and react. A distant call would make the frog stand out against the other males. A muffled cry would NOT help him attract a mate. A muffled call would be hard to hear and not allow the frog to stand out.