Thousands of years ago, the jaws and teeth of jaguars were more varied in size than they are today. During a period of climate change about 11,000 years ago, 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?
O A. Jaguars with the smallest jaws and teeth died out completely.
B. Jaguars with the smallest jaws and teeth were not ever able to mate.
O C. Jaguars with the largest jaws and teeth survived and reproduced more successfully than other jaguars.
D. Jaguars with the largest jaws and teeth strengthened them by using them more frequently than other jaguars.