Question

Currently, the only predators of galápagos marine iguanas are galápagos hawks. iguana body size is not correlated with risk of hawk predation, although small iguanas can sprint faster than large iguanas. if predators (for example, cats) that preferentially catch and eat slower iguanas are introduced to the island, iguana body size is likely to ________ in the absence of other factors; the iguanas would then be under ________ selection.

Answer 1

decrease; directional

Step-by-step explanation:

Directional selection is a type of selection whereby a particular phenotypic trait is preferred over another trait. This causes the allele or gene frequency to shift to another location due to that phenotypic trait.

Directional selection is a type of natural selection process.

Answer 2

If the predators are catching more of the slower iguanas, the body size of the iguanas will likely decrease, since the smaller iguanas are able to run faster and they are more likely to survive and leave offspring that has the same body size,
This would be a case of directional selection because the natural selection would be acting in the direction of decreasing the body size.