A scientist observed two populations of insects for 10 years. They took data on

Question

A scientist observed two populations of insects for 10 years. They took data on the length, in mm, of the insect’s mouthparts. Their data is shown in the graphs below:

How is this population evolving and what agent of evolution is most likely at work?

a

Inbreeding, because the gene distributions are becoming less similar among the population.

b

Genetic drift, as the distribution of traits has become more random.

c

Gene flow, as the population has likely gained new mouthpart traits through immigration.

d

Natural selection, as insects that do not have average-sized mouthparts are being favored.

Explanation / Answer

Answer - d - Natural selection, as insects that do not have average-sized mouthparts are being favored.

Trait is transfer to disruptive selection.

In disruptive selection extreme values for a trait are favored over intermediate values.the intermediate phenotypes are often less fit than their extreme counterparts.

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