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Imagine a graph that has fitness on the y-axis (0 or 1) and the trait values of

ID: 312545 • Letter: I

Question

Imagine a graph that has fitness on the y-axis (0 or 1) and the trait values of individuals on the x-axis that shows directional selection for individuals with the largest trait values.

If population size, N, is very small relative to K, what are the likely values for the slope and y-intercept of the line that describes the relationship between the trait and fitness? Note that in the answers provided below, "the origin" means the intercept = 0.

A. The slope is shallow and the intercept is far from the origin.

The slope is shallow and the intercept is near the origin.

The slope is steep and the intercept is near the origin.

The slope is steep and the intercept is far from the origin.

A. The slope is shallow and the intercept is far from the origin.

B.

The slope is shallow and the intercept is near the origin.

C.

The slope is steep and the intercept is near the origin.

D.

The slope is steep and the intercept is far from the origin.

Explanation / Answer

In a graph that has fitness on the y-axis (0 or 1) and the trait values of individuals on the x-axis that shows directional selection for individuals with the largest trait values.

If population size, N, is very small relative to K, the likely values for the slope and y-intercept of the line that describes the relationship between the trait and fitness are:

C. The slope is steep and the intercept is near the origin.