Genetics and Natural Selection

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Which type of selection favors the survival of individuals with intermediate phenotypes?

Balancing selection

Disruptive selection

Stabilizing selection (correct)

Directional selection

In balancing selection, what is maintained in a population over many generations?

Extreme phenotypes

Heterogeneous environments

Population size

Genetic diversity (correct)

What is the main characteristic of disruptive/diversifying selection?

Limits genetic diversity

Favors survival of extreme phenotypes (correct)

Favors intermediate phenotypes

Occurs in stable environments

Which type of selection is likely to occur in populations that occupy heterogeneous environments?

Disruptive selection Signup and view all the answers

What does directional selection focus on in terms of phenotypic range?

Extreme phenotypes at one end Signup and view all the answers

Which type of selection favors individuals with higher fitness values becoming more prevalent?

Natural selection Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of intrasexual selection?

Individuals directly competing for mating opportunities Signup and view all the answers

How does sexual dimorphism differ from intersexual selection?

Sexual dimorphism refers to the difference between male and female morphologies within a species, while intersexual selection involves males directly competing with each other. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of sexual selection, what is cryptic female choice?

The process where the egg selects against genetically related sperm Signup and view all the answers

What is the main outcome of sexual selection according to the text?

Traits that decrease survival but increase reproductive success Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior would NOT typically be associated with intersexual selection?

Males directly competing with each other for access to females Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of sexual dimorphism in the context of sexual selection?

Male characteristics are more intensely affected than female characteristics Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between male coloration and predation according to the text?

Places with few predators tend to have brightly colored males. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of sexual selection, what does 'directional selection' refer to?

Selection that favors individuals with extreme phenotypes. Signup and view all the answers

Why do brightly colored males tend to be less plentiful in places with abundant predators?

Bright coloration attracts predators, increasing the risk of predation. Signup and view all the answers

What role do females play in sexual selection according to the text?

Females prefer males based on their coloration and other characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between intrasexual and intersexual selection?

Intrasexual selection involves competition between individuals of the same sex, while intersexual selection involves mate choice by one sex. Signup and view all the answers

What does balancing selection favor in terms of male coloration?

Moderate coloration for a balance between reproductive success and predation risk. Signup and view all the answers