In a population of mice, individuals with medium brown fur are less likely to be seen by predators than light brown and dark brown mice what type of selection is this and what would the distribution curve for the mouse population look like?
The type of selection described here is called stabilizing selection. Stabilizing selection occurs when individuals with intermediate or average traits have a selective advantage compared to those with extreme traits. In this case, the medium brown mice have a survival advantage compared to the light brown and dark brown mice, as they are less likely to be seen by predators.
The distribution curve for the mouse population would show a peak at the medium brown fur color, indicating that this trait is most common in the population. The curve would be narrower and taller compared to a curve representing random or normal distribution, which would suggest reduced variation in fur color. This is because individuals with extreme fur colors (light brown and dark brown) have a lower chance of survival, leading to a reduction in their frequency in the population.