Most Swiss starlings produce four to five eggs in each clutch. Those producing fewer or more than this have reduced fitness. Which of the following terms best describes this?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Stabilizing selection favors individuals with average or intermediate traits, while selecting against extreme traits at both ends of the spectrum. In this case, individuals producing more or fewer than the average number of eggs have reduced fitness, indicating that selection is stabilizing the clutch size at four to five eggs.

Most Swiss Starlings Produce Four to Five Eggs in Each