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

• stabilizing selection; two peaks at the extremes of the graph with a dip in the middle
• disruptive selection; a tall, narrow peak in the center of the graph
• 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

Answer 1

The type of selection observed in peppered moth populations, where light and dark moths are favored in different environments (e.g., light moths in light environments and dark moths in dark, soot-covered environments), is an example of disruptive selection. This selection leads to favoring individuals at both extremes (light and dark), while the intermediate phenotype (medium-colored moths) is selected against.

Therefore, the distribution curve for all peppered moths would look like two peaks at the extremes of the graph with a dip in the middle.

The correct answer is: disruptive selection; two peaks at the extremes of the graph with a dip in the middle.