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Multiple Choice
Which term best describes the change from more light-colored moths to more dark-colored moths in a population due to environmental changes?
A
Stabilizing selection
B
Disruptive selection
C
Directional selection
D
Genetic drift
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of natural selection: Natural selection is a mechanism of evolution where individuals with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing those traits to the next generation.
Review the types of selection: Stabilizing selection favors intermediate traits, disruptive selection favors extreme traits at both ends, and directional selection favors one extreme trait over others.
Analyze the scenario: The population of moths shifted from more light-colored moths to more dark-colored moths due to environmental changes, indicating a preference for one extreme trait (dark coloration).
Connect the scenario to directional selection: Directional selection occurs when environmental pressures favor one extreme phenotype over others, leading to a shift in the population's traits over time.
Conclude that the term 'directional selection' best describes the change in the moth population, as the environmental changes caused a shift toward darker-colored moths.