Question

which description might lead to a graph like this one? the environment selects for phenotypes at both ends of the spectrum. number of finches small large finch beak size infographic 13.8 biology for a changing world, fourth edition © 2021 w. h. freeman and company an environment in which antibiotics are present and small bacteria evolve resistance to them an environment with both soft seeds and hard seeds, where soft seeds can only be eaten by mice with small teeth and hard seeds can only be eaten by mice with large teeth an environment in which having strong, large horns on steer mean they mate more often and have more offspring any environment in which natural selection is happening need help on this question? read the ebook page on this topic (no penalty) get a hint (fewer points) show answer (no points)

Explanation:

The graph shows disruptive selection (favoring extreme phenotypes: small and large beak sizes). The correct option describes an environment selecting for two extreme traits (small/large teeth in mice for soft/hard seeds), matching disruptive selection. Other options do not fit: antibiotics favor resistant bacteria (directional selection), large horns favor one trait (directional), and not all natural selection is disruptive.

Answer:

an environment with both soft seeds and hard seeds, where soft seeds can only be eaten by mice with small teeth and hard seeds can only be eaten by mice with large teeth