Question
Robins are a species of songbird which typically lays four eggs in a single clutch. Larger clutches can lead to malnourished chicks. Smaller clutches make it less likely that there will be a viable offspring. In terms of natural selection, this is an example of: a artificial selection b directional selection c stabilizing selection d disruptive selection
Answer
4
(180 Votes)
Evelyn
Master · Tutor for 5 years
Answer
The correct answer is 'C', stabilizing selection.
Explanation
## Step 1The problem is asking us to identify the type of natural selection that is happening in the given scenario. In this scenario, robins are typically laying four eggs in a single clutch. However, laying fewer or more eggs than this can lead to malnourishment or a lower survival rate for the chicks. The options provided are artificial selection, directional selection, stabilizing selection, and disruptive selection.## Step 2Artificial selection is a process where humans selectively breed organisms with desired traits. This does not apply in this case as the robins are not being selectively bred by humans.## Step 3Disruptive selection is a type of natural selection that favors extreme phenotypes over intermediate ones. This does not apply in this case as the robins are not favoring laying either fewer or more eggs than the typical four.## Step 4Directional selection is a type of natural selection that favors one extreme phenotype over the other. This does not apply in this case as the robins are not favoring laying either fewer or more eggs than the typical four.## Step 5Stabilizing selection, however, is a type of natural selection that favors intermediate phenotypes over extreme ones. This applies in this case as the robins are favoring laying exactly four eggs, which is the intermediate phenotype.