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What type of selection permits the coexistence of several reproductive strategies in side-blotched lizards:

A) directional
B) stabilizing
C) disruptive
D) negative frequency dependent

1 Answer

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Final answer:

Negative frequency-dependent selection permits the coexistence of several reproductive strategies in side-blotched lizards.

Step-by-step explanation:

Frequency-dependent selection permits the coexistence of several reproductive strategies in side-blotched lizards. This type of selection favors phenotypes that are either common or rare. In the case of side-blotched lizards, different throat-color patterns (orange, blue, and yellow) represent different reproductive strategies. Orange males are the strongest and fight for access to females, blue males form pair bonds with their mates, and yellow males sneak copulations. The competition between these strategies allows for their coexistence and is an example of negative frequency-dependent selection.

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