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

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

Answer 1

This scenario describes disruptive selection. In the case of disruptive selection, the individuals at both extremes of a trait (light brown and dark brown fur) are favored by the environment, while the intermediate trait (medium brown fur) is selected against. As a result, the distribution curve would show two peaks at the ends, with a dip in the middle, reflecting the reduced survival of the medium brown mice.

So, the correct answer would be: • disruptive; two peaks at either end of the graph with a dip in the middle.