Question

question 8
as organisms adapt to a particular environment, a type of natural selection called stabilizing selection can cause a decrease in genetic diversity throughout the population. how would stabilizing selection affect the fossil record?
select one:
○a. fossils would show an extended period of stasis in which the fossil characteristics do not change.
○b. fossils would show the appearance of a cluster of new descendant species in a short time.
○c. fossils would show an increase in the variety of traits over time.
○d. fossils would become more similar over time.

Explanation:

Stabilizing selection favors average, well-adapted traits and reduces genetic diversity by selecting against extreme traits. This leads to populations maintaining consistent traits over time, which translates to long-term stasis (little to no change) in fossil characteristics. Option b describes adaptive radiation (not stabilizing selection), option c contradicts the reduced diversity from stabilizing selection, and option d is imprecise compared to the clear pattern of stasis.

Answer:

a. Fossils would show an extended period of stasis in which the fossil characteristics do not change.