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1 vote
Which statement is a valid claim that could be made using the data in the graph?

A. Directional selection is occurring because the graph favors an extreme.
B. Stabilizing selection is occurring because the average is favored.
C. Disruptive selection is occurring because the two extremes are favored.
D. Biodiversity selection is occurring because of the greater variation.

Which statement is a valid claim that could be made using the data in the graph? A-example-1
User John Tarr
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2 Answers

6 votes

the answer is b-Stabilizing selection is occurring because the average is favored.

User Quasdunk
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4 votes

The correct answer is B.

On this graph we can observe the workings of the stabilizing selection. Stabilizing selection tends to favor the average phenotype and eliminate the extremes. Essentially, this means that the natural selection is selecting the mean value of a trait as optimal. In our case, the mean weight of newborns is selected as optimal, because newborns born with less weight can be too weak to survive and the ones that have too much weight (are too big) can hurt the mother during birth.

User Adam Scot
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