Understanding Relative Fitness

Which mode of natural selection occurs when conditions favor individuals at one end of the phenotypic range?

Directional selection

Which mode of natural selection occurs when conditions favor individuals at both extremes of the phenotypic range?

Disruptive selection

Which mode of natural selection occurs when conditions favor intermediate variants and act against extreme phenotypes?

Stabilizing selection

What is the main role of natural selection in adaptive evolution?

To increase the frequencies of alleles that enhance survival and reproduction Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a striking adaptation that has arisen through natural selection?

The ability of certain octopuses to change color rapidly for camouflage Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the movable bones in the upper jaw of snakes?

To allow them to swallow food larger than their head Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the overall makeup of the population in directional selection?

It shifts by favoring variants at one extreme of the distribution Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the overall makeup of the population in disruptive selection?

It shifts by favoring variants at both extremes of the distribution Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the overall makeup of the population in stabilizing selection?

It remains the same Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of disruptive selection in a population of mice living among light and dark rocks?

Mice of an intermediate color are selected against Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase is misleading in the context of reproductive success?

Direct competition among individuals Signup and view all the answers

What does relative fitness refer to?

The contribution an individual makes to the gene pool of the next generation Signup and view all the answers

How does reproductive success depend on food collection ability?

Individuals with better food collection ability have higher reproductive success Signup and view all the answers

What does selection indirectly favor in terms of genotypes and phenotypes?

Selection indirectly favors certain genotypes by acting directly on phenotypes Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase accurately describes reproductive success?

Reproductive success depends on various factors Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of relative fitness?

The contribution an individual makes to the gene pool of the next generation Signup and view all the answers

How does food collection ability impact reproductive success?