Question

"The activity of N2RB gene declines in older mice and causes a decline in learning ability." Some have suggested that this is beneficial because it means older mice cannot forage as efficiently as they once did, which frees up resources for the next generation. This hypothesis is based on group selection because:

a. It benefits the individual mice
b. It benefits the older mice
c. It benefits the next generation
d. It benefits the entire group

Answer 1

The decline in the activity of the N2RB gene in older mice is beneficial for the entire group, based on the concept of group selection.

Step-by-step explanation:

The hypothesis that the decline in the activity of the N2RB gene in older mice is beneficial because it frees up resources for the next generation is based on group selection, option d. It benefits the entire group. Group selection refers to the idea that natural selection can act on groups of individuals, rather than just individuals themselves. In this case, the decline in the gene activity of older mice may be advantageous for the overall survival and reproductive success of the group by redistributing resources to the younger, more reproductively active individuals.