1 Do you expect most traits in most populations to be under

1) Do you expect most traits in most populations to be under directional, stabilizing or disruptive selection? Explain your answer.

2) Which of the following types of conditions would lead to a change in your answer for the question above about the most common type of selection? (there may be more than one correct answer)

Change in environmental conditions affecting fitness.

Change in mutation rate.

Introduction of a new predator that can attack the focal species.

Extinction of a closely related species that was living in sympatry.

Solution

Most traits in most populations are under directional selection in a single phenotype is favored, leading to the allele frequency continuously shifting in one direction.

The following types of conditions would lead to a change in our answer for the question above about the most common type of selection are:

b. Introduction of a new predator that can attack the focal species.

d. Extinction of a closely related species that was living in sympatry. As both these factors can lead to disruptive selection.