Mathematics of Natural Selection Quick Check

Question

4 of 54 of 5 Items
Question
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)
Responses

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

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

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

Answer 1

The scenario described involves medium brown fur in mice being favored by natural selection because it provides better camouflage against predators compared to light brown and dark brown fur. This indicates that the medium fur trait is advantageous and promotes a concentration of individuals with this trait in the population.

This type of selection is known as stabilizing selection, as it favors intermediate phenotypes (in this case, medium brown fur) and reduces the extremes (light brown and dark brown fur).

The distribution curve for a population undergoing stabilizing selection would have a tall, narrow peak in the center of the graph, representing the higher frequency of medium brown fur individuals compared to the extremes.

Therefore, the correct response is: stabilizing; a tall, narrow peak in the center of the graph.