Most Swiss starlings produce four to five eggs in each clutch. Starlings producing fewer or more than this have reduced fitness. Which of the following terms best describes this situation?
A) directional selection
B) stabilizing selection
C) disruptive selection
D) sexual selection

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Stabilizing selection favors the average phenotype in a population, and individuals with extreme phenotypes have reduced fitness. In this case, the average clutch size for Swiss starlings is four to five eggs, and individuals producing fewer or more eggs have reduced fitness, indicating stabilizing selection.

Most Swiss Starlings Produce Four to Five Eggs in Each