Question

while all giraffes are tall they are not all the exact same height. within a population, the height of each individual giraffe can vary. scientists observe that over many generations the average height of the giraffe population is increasing. they believe this in response to trees producing fewer leaves on lower branches, meaning the giraffes main food source is higher up.
what kind of selection is this an example of?
(1 point)
directional selection and disruptive selection
directional selection
disruptive selection
stabilizing selection

Explanation:

To determine the type of selection, we analyze each option:

• Directional selection occurs when a population's trait (here, giraffe height) shifts in one direction (average height increasing) due to environmental pressure (food source higher up).
• Disruptive selection favors extreme traits at both ends, not seen here.
• Stabilizing selection favors intermediate traits, which is not the case as height is increasing.
• The option with both directional and disruptive is incorrect as only directional applies.

Answer:

B. Directional Selection