A male cardinal’s red color is an example of a trait affected by natural selection. The females of the species choose mates based on the vibrant colors of the males’ feathers. If females begin using different criteria than feather color when they choose mates, what would most likely happen to the color of the male cardinals over time?
Answer
A
decreased variation in the shades of red after a single generation
B
increased variation in the shades of red because the cardinals try different ways to impress the females
C
increased variation in the shades of red because there is no advantage in one specific color
D
decreased variation in the shades of red over time because no form of the trait is advantageous
Explanation
When females stop choosing mates based on feather color, one shade of red no longer gives males a mating advantage over other shades. Without that selective pressure favoring a particular color, differences in red shades can persist and variation can increase over time. The best choice is “increased variation in the shades of red because there is no advantage in one specific color.”
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