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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

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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

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

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EvelynMaster · Tutor for 5 years

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The correct answer is 'C', stabilizing selection.

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## Step 1<br />The 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.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />Artificial 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.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />Disruptive 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.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />Directional 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.<br /><br />## Step 5<br />Stabilizing 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.
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