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) artificial selection
B) directional selection
C) stabilizing selection
D) disruptive selection
E) sexual selection

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Stabilizing selection favors individuals with intermediate traits, while reducing the fitness of individuals with extreme traits. In this case, starlings producing fewer or more than four to five eggs have extreme traits and reduced fitness.

Most Swiss Starlings Produce Four to Five Eggs in Each