A Biologist Doing a Long-Term Study on a Wild Spider

question 61

Multiple Choice

A biologist doing a long-term study on a wild spider population observes increased variation in silk thickness.
Which of the following could the spider population be experiencing?

• A) directional selection
• B) stabilizing selection
• C) disruptive selection
• D) genetic drift

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Definitions:

Migration

The movement of people from one place to another with intentions of settling, permanently or temporarily, at a new location.

Social Comparison

The tendency to assess one’s abilities, achievements, social status, and other attributes by measuring them against those of other people, especially one’s peers.

Significant Adversity

Major difficulties or misfortune that requires coping mechanisms and resilience to overcome.

Stepparent Structure

This term refers to the family dynamic and relationships involving stepparents and their stepchildren.