Use the following information when answering the corresponding questions).
In 1983, a population of dark- eyed junco birds became established on the campus of the University of California, San Diego UCSD), which is located many miles from the junco's normal habitat in the mixed- coniferous temperate forests in the mountains. Juncos have white outer tail feathers that the males display during aggressive interactions and during courtship displays. Males with more white in their tail are more likely to win aggressive interactions, and females prefer to mate with males with more white in their tails. Females have less white in their tails than males, and display it less often. Pamela J. Yeh. 2004. Rapid evolution of a sexually selected trait following population establishment in a novel habitat. Evolution 58[1]:166- 74.)
-Based on the information given above, which of the following types of selection was most likely initially involved in the evolution of white outer tail feathers in juncos?
A) stabilizing selection
B) disruptive selection
C) sexual selection
D) directional selection

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The information given clearly indicates that white outer tail feathers are a sexually selected trait, meaning that females prefer to mate with males with more white in their tails, and males with more white are more likely to win aggressive interactions. This suggests that sexual selection is the most likely type of selection involved in the evolution of white outer tail feathers in juncos.

Use the Following Information When Answering the Corresponding Questions)