In One Butterfly Species, the Colors of Individuals Range from White

question 82

Multiple Choice

In one butterfly species, the colors of individuals range from white to black, with many shades of gray in between. If the butterflies in a mountain population become more and more similar in color over several generations (e.g., if most butterflies are the same shade of gray) , what kind of evolutionary force is likely acting on the population?

• A) Artificial selection
• B) Directional selection
• C) Disruptive selection
• D) Stabilizing selection

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Definitions:

Viral Replication

The process by which viruses reproduce by infiltrating host cells and using their machinery to create copies of themselves.

Biological Evolution

The process by which living organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms during the history of the earth.

Chemical Evolution

Chemical evolution refers to the process by which simple chemical compounds present in the Earth's early environment underwent complex interactions leading to the formation of more complex molecules, including the precursors of life.

Metabolic Pathway

Series of linked reactions, beginning with a particular reactant and terminating with an end product.