possible evolutionary change (communicate your findings #7)
The Australian Stock Horse can experience certain evolutionary changes that could help it adapt and survive in its environment. One of these evolutionary changes is the location of the eyes. The location of the eye right now is on the side of the head, allowing the Australian Stock Horse to see nearly 360 degrees around its surroundings. Over time the location of the eye might shift to directly the side of the head, allowing the Australian Stock Horse to be able to see extremely close to 360 degrees or in fact 360 degrees. This would help the horse to be able to see predators from all angles and to be able to evade or fight predators. Another evolutionary change that could occur is an increase in the body size. The Australian Stock Horse is presently about 6 feet and weighs about 1,200 pounds. If the Australian Stock Horse was to get slightly taller and larger, it would have a size advantage over its predators, it would adapt and learn to carry heavy things or run faster since it can carry its own body weight, and its endurance would greatly improve; useful for travelling long distances for food or mating. Finally, the third evolutionary change the Australian Stock Horse can undergo is a stronger foot structure. Walking or running on the rocky terrain wears down the hooves of the Australian Stock Horse. As time progresses, the hooves of the Australian Stock Horse will wear down. Over time, its body will naturally grow new hooves that are stronger and harder. Stronger feet would allow the Australian Stock Horse to be able to travel on the rocky, tough terrain more easily, taking less time to get to food or evading predators.