page 13 of 13

Mathematics of Natural Selection Quick Check
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

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

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
Skip to navigation

1 answer

In the scenario described, individuals with medium brown fur are less likely to be seen by predators, which suggests that this trait provides a selective advantage. This would likely lead to a decrease in the frequency of both light brown and dark brown mice.

Given that medium brown is favored and the extremes (light and dark) are selected against, this represents stabilizing selection. Stabilizing selection typically results in a distribution curve that has a tall, narrow peak at the center, indicating that the average trait (medium brown fur) is favored while extreme traits (light and dark brown) are less common.

Therefore, the correct response is:

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