Question

The type of selection most likely to act on a well-adapted population in a relatively constant

environment is____

Answer 1

In a constant environment, stabilizing selection acts on a well-adapted population by favoring average phenotypes and selecting against extremes, leading to decreased genetic variance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The type of selection most likely to act on a well-adapted population in a relatively constant environment is stabilizing selection. This form of natural selection favors individuals with the average phenotype, reducing genetic variance by selecting against extreme variations. As an example, in a constant wooded environment, mice with fur color that closely matches the forest floor color are favored by stabilizing selection. Lighter or darker mice stand out, becoming easier prey, which decreases their chance of survival and reproduction. Therefore, mice with the average brown coat are more likely to pass their genes to the next generation, making the population more homogenized over time.