8. Thousands of years ago, the jaws and teeth of jaguars varied in size more than they do today. During a period of climate change about 11,000 years
ago, the jaguars faced a shortage of food. There were fewer mammals to
eat, so the jaguars had to eat shelled reptiles. The jaguars with the largest
jaws and teeth could most easily eat the shelled reptiles.
Which of the following statements best explains why large jaws and teeth
are common characteristics in jaguars today?