In a population of birds in Africa, it was observed that birds with small or large beaks could efficiently crack and eat small or large seeds, respectively. Birds with intermediate beaks had trouble with both types of seeds. What type of selection would be expected to occur in this population if small and large seeds were the only types of food available to these birds?

Question

Social Studies

Josh Caldwell

16 May, 05:57

In a population of birds in Africa, it was observed that birds with small or large beaks could efficiently crack and eat small or large seeds, respectively. Birds with intermediate beaks had trouble with both types of seeds. What type of selection would be expected to occur in this population if small and large seeds were the only types of food available to these birds?

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Adeline · Answer 1

Disruptive selection

Explanation:

In this example, the type of selection that is expected to occur in the population is disruptive selection. Disruptive selection refers to changes in the population in which extreme values for a trait are favored over intermediate values. In this process, more individuals acquire a characteristic that is at either end of the distribution curve.