The Residues ("Tailings") of Mines Often Contain Such High Concentrations

question 36

Multiple Choice

The residues ("tailings") of mines often contain such high concentrations of toxic metals (e.g., copper, lead) that most plants are unable to grow on them. However, some hardy species (e.g., certain grasses) are able to spread from the surrounding uncontaminated soil into such areas. These plants evolve resistance to the toxic metals, while their ability to grow on uncontaminated soil decreases. Because grasses are wind pollinated, breeding between the resistant and nonresistant populations continues, but offspring of crosses between the two populations are intermediate and have low fitness. This is an example of

• A) stabilizing selection.
• B) directional selection.
• C) frequency-dependent selection.
• D) disruptive selection.
• E) underdominance.

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Definitions:

Distributive Justice

The perceived fairness of how resources and rewards are distributed within a group or organization.

Ethical Egoism

The belief that actions are morally right if they benefit the individual making the decision.

Utilitarianism

A moral theory that suggests that the best action is the one that maximizes utility, usually defined as that which produces the greatest well-being of the greatest number of people.

Altruism

The selfless concern for the well-being of others, often manifesting in actions that prioritize others' interests above one's own.