In Seedcracker Finches from Cameroon, Small- and Large-Billed Birds Specialize

question 45

Multiple Choice

In seedcracker finches from Cameroon, small- and large-billed birds specialize in cracking soft and hard seeds, respectively. If long-term climatic change resulted in all seeds becoming hard, what type of selection would then operate on the finch population?

• A) disruptive selection
• B) directional selection
• C) stabilizing selection
• D) No selection would operate because the population is in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium.

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Definitions:

Metric Dimensioning

A system of dimensioning where all measurements are expressed in metric units, commonly millimeters (mm), as per international standards.

Intentional Difference

The deliberate variation introduced in a design or dimension to fulfill a specific requirement or function.

Mating Parts

Components designed to fit together with another part or parts through various means like interlocking, adherence, or assembly for functional integration.

Equal Bilateral Tolerance

A type of tolerance where a variation is allowed equally in both positive and negative directions from a specified dimension.