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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is an example of directional selection?
A
Stabilization of birth weights in human populations
B
Maintenance of sickle cell trait in malaria-endemic regions
C
Development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria
D
Peppered moths becoming darker in polluted areas
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of directional selection: Directional selection occurs when one extreme phenotype is favored over other phenotypes, leading to a shift in the population's trait distribution over time.
Identify the examples provided: Stabilization of birth weights, maintenance of sickle cell trait, development of antibiotic resistance, and peppered moths becoming darker.
Analyze each example: Stabilization of birth weights is an example of stabilizing selection, where intermediate phenotypes are favored. Maintenance of sickle cell trait is an example of balancing selection, where multiple alleles are maintained in the population. Development of antibiotic resistance is an example of directional selection, where bacteria with resistance traits are favored.
Focus on the example of peppered moths: In polluted areas, darker moths are favored because they are less visible to predators, leading to a shift in the population towards darker coloration. This is a classic example of directional selection.
Conclude that the correct example of directional selection is the peppered moths becoming darker in polluted areas, as it demonstrates a shift towards one extreme phenotype due to environmental pressures.