Directional, Diversifying or Stabilizing selection?

NewtoBiology · Post by **NewtoBiology** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 1:03 am

Directional, Diversifying or Stabilizing selection?

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Post by NewtoBiology » Fri Jan 25, 2008 1:03 am

Hello Biologists!!!

Would you be so kind as to explain the following...

During warm, dry weather large beetles had a greater number of offspring, while during cold, wet weather, small beetles had more offspring. is this an example of directional selection, diversifying selection, or stabilizing selection?

I would have to guess that it was diversifying selection as two unique types of beetles were forming. CAN ANYONE ADD TO THIS...

MrMistery · Post by **MrMistery** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 9:15 am

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Post by MrMistery » Fri Jan 25, 2008 9:15 am

i would say stabilizing, as it would probably result in a "medium sized" beetle species. because they would get bigger in summer and smaller in weather. Get my point?

"As a biologist, I firmly believe that when you're dead, you're dead. Except for what you live behind in history. That's the only afterlife" - J. Craig Venter

mith · Post by **mith** » Fri Jan 25, 2008 3:24 pm

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Post by mith » Fri Jan 25, 2008 3:24 pm

however medium size was not mentioned.

I'd go with what you have now.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
~Niebuhr

Darby · Post by **Darby** » Sat Jan 26, 2008 3:57 am

Re: Directional, Diversifying or Stabilizing selection?

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Post by Darby » Sat Jan 26, 2008 3:57 am

Since we're dealing with seasonal weather patterns, it does seem to suggest that over a few years' time, both sizes are favored; a diverse population has the best longterm survival potential, so I'd say you're right here.