In a population of mice, individuals with medium brown fur are less likely to be seen by predators than light brown and dark brown mice. What type of selection is this, and what would the distribution curve for the mouse population look like?(1 point)

Question

Responses

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

stabilizing; two peaks at either end of the graph with a dip in the middle
stabilizing; two peaks at either end of the graph with a dip in the middle

disruptive; two peaks at either end of the graph with a dip in the middle
disruptive; two peaks at either end of the graph with a dip in the middle

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

Answer 1

The scenario described suggests that medium brown fur mice have a survival advantage over both light brown and dark brown mice due to reduced predation. This is indicative of stabilizing selection, where intermediate phenotypes (in this case, medium brown fur) are favored, leading to a decrease in variation in the population.

In terms of the distribution curve for the mouse population, it would likely be represented by a tall, narrow peak in the center of the graph, signifying that most individuals have medium brown fur, with fewer individuals having light or dark brown fur.

Therefore, the correct response is:

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