In peppered moth populations, light and dark moths are selected for in different environments. Which type of selection is this, and what would a distribution curve for all peppered moths look like?(1 point)

Question

Responses

stabilizing selection; two peaks at the extremes of the graph with a dip in the middle
stabilizing selection; two peaks at the extremes of the graph with a dip in the middle

disruptive selection; two peaks at the extremes of the graph with a dip in the middle
disruptive selection; two peaks at the extremes of the graph with a dip in the middle

stabilizing selection; a tall, narrow peak in the center of the graph
stabilizing selection; a tall, narrow peak in the center of the graph

disruptive selection; a tall, narrow peak in the center of the graph
disruptive selection; a tall, narrow peak in the center of the graph

Answer 1

The correct response is:

disruptive selection; two peaks at the extremes of the graph with a dip in the middle.

In disruptive selection, individuals at both extremes of a trait distribution are favored, while those with intermediate traits are selected against. In the case of the peppered moth, light and dark moths are better adapted to their respective environments (light-colored and dark-colored trees), leading to a distribution curve that has two peaks (one for light moths and one for dark moths) with a dip in the middle where intermediate coloration is less common.