Question

The larvae are prey of both parasitoid wasps and birds. Wasps selectively prey on larvae inside the SMALLEST galls while birds selectively prey on larvae inside the LARGEST galls. The size of the gall made by the larvae is a heritable trait. Given this information, we can conclude that the trait 'larval gall size' is subject to: A. balancing selection. B. stabilizing selection. C. directional selection. D. disruptional selection. E. heterozygote advantage

Answer 1

The trait 'larval gall size' is subject to balancing selection.

Step-by-step explanation:

There are different types of natural selection: sexual selection, stabilizing selection, directional selection, frequency-dependent selection, and disruptive selection.

Balancing selection, also called Stabilizing selection, eliminates individual with extreme traits and favors individual that exhibit medium-range characteristics, that gets to survive. Selective pressure is against homozygotes.

Directional selection increases in the proportion of individuals with an extreme phenotypic trait.

Disruptional selection causes an increase in the two types of extreme phenotypes over the intermediate forms. Limits between one extreme and the other are frequently very sharped.

Heterozygote advantage is a genetic condition in which the heterozygote phenotype is different from the parent's homozygous phenotype. It is the case in which the relative aptitude of the heterozygote genotype is higher than the aptitude of the homozygote genotype. It is favored by balancing selection.