Question
Which statement is a valid claim that could be made using the data in the graph? Directional selection is occurring because the graph favors an extreme. Stabilizing selection is occurring because the average is favored. Disruptive selection is occurring because the two extremes are favored. Biodiversity variation is occurring because there is an increase in trait variation.
Answer
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Alice
Master · Tutor for 5 years
Answer
The valid claim that could be made using the data in the graph, assuming it shows both extremes being favored, is: "Disruptive selection is occurring because the two extremes are favored."
Explanation
To address the question, we must first understand the different types of natural selection and how they are represented graphically. The question does not provide a specific graph, but we can infer the characteristics of each selection type:1. Directional selection occurs when an extreme phenotype is favored over other phenotypes, causing the allele frequency to shift over time in the direction of that phenotype. This is typically represented by a graph where one tail of the distribution has increased over time.2. Stabilizing selection occurs when intermediate phenotypes are favored over extreme ones. This results in a decrease in the population's phenotypic variation and is usually depicted by a graph where the middle of the distribution becomes more pronounced while the tails shrink.3. Disruptive selection occurs when extreme phenotypes are favored over intermediate ones. This can lead to a bimodal distribution in the graph, where both extremes show an increase in frequency.4. Biodiversity variation refers to the range of different life forms within an ecosystem. An increase in trait variation could be indicative of this, but it is not directly related to the types of natural selection mentioned in the other statements.Based on these definitions, we can evaluate the statements:- If the graph shows an increase at one extreme, it would suggest directional selection.- If the graph shows the average phenotype being favored, it would suggest stabilizing selection.- If the graph shows both extremes being favored, it would suggest disruptive selection.- If the graph shows an overall increase in trait variation without specific favoring of any phenotype, it might suggest biodiversity variation, but this is not a standard term used to describe a pattern of natural selection.Given the context of the question, which is about natural selection, the statement about biodiversity variation is less likely to be a valid claim based on a graph showing selection patterns.