After many generations of strong directional selection in a rabbit population, which outcome is likely?

Prepare for your Arizona State University (ASU) BIO345 Evolution Exam 1. Study with comprehensive resources, including flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

In a scenario involving strong directional selection in a rabbit population, the outcome is most likely that there will be an increase in the prevalence of black and dark grey rabbits. Directional selection occurs when individuals with traits on one end of the spectrum have higher fitness, leading to an increase in the frequency of those traits over generations.

If, for instance, darker coat colors provide better camouflage in the environment due to the presence of darker soil or vegetation, rabbits with these traits would be better protected from predators. As a result, their survival and reproductive success would be enhanced compared to lighter-colored individuals, leading to a greater proportion of black and dark grey rabbits in the population over time. This process can significantly shift the population's genetic makeup, favoring those advantageous traits. This outcome underscores how natural selection shapes species through the prevalence of specific traits that improve fitness in a given environment.

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