In a species of wild animal, claw size is determined by a combination of two alleles. Allele Q codes for large claws, while allele q codes for small claws. Individuals with a heterozygous genotype possess claws of medium size. Members of the species depend on their claws to be able to burrow in the ground and find food. But in an area where the ground has always been soft, gradual climate change has caused the dirt to become hard and compact. Which statement best predicts the change that will occur in the affected populations?

Genetic traits are determined by alleles which can be dominant or recessive.

You receive two pairs of alleles which then combine to form the geno/phenotype.

Homozygous = both alleles are the same

Heterozygous = alleles are different

There are three possibilities here:

The genotype QQ, which would give a phenotype of large claws

The genotype Qq, which would give a phenotype of medium claws

and the genotype qq, which would give a phenotype of small claws.

(In most alleles, it would seem that Qq would result in large claws because Q would be dominant over the recessive allele q. In this case, however, the two just blend together in what is called codominance.)

I can't see the statements that you're talking about, judging by the fact that you said "which," but it is easily predictable that with hardened soil, those with larger claws would survive. (natural selection) Over time it will be those with larger claws who have more offspring, and thus the trait of large claws would become more prominent.