AP Biology : Understanding Types of Selection

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for AP Biology

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Example Questions

Example Question #11 : Understanding Types Of Selection

Which of the following is true regarding balancing selection?

Possible Answers:

An example is heterozygote advantage

It maintains variation in a population

All of these

It is the opposite of purifying selection

Correct answer:

All of these

Explanation:

Balancing selection is a type of natural selection that maintains genetic variation in a population, making it the opposite of purifying selection. Examples of balancing selection include heterozygote selection, in which there is adaptive value for heterozygotes of an allele.

Example Question #12 : Understanding Types Of Selection

During which of the following levels of biological organization can natural selection occur?

Possible Answers:

Individual

Group

Gene

All of these

Correct answer:

All of these

Explanation:

Natural selection is defined as survival and reproduction based on a specific phenotype. Phenotypes that increase reproductive fitness are “selected for” on different levels. Natural selection can take place on different levels of biological organization including gene, individual, and group levels.

Example Question #13 : Understanding Types Of Selection

Which of the following types of selection best describes the process in which fitness depends on phenotype frequency?

Possible Answers:

Sexual selection

Disruptive selection

Frequency-dependent selection

Directional selection

Correct answer:

Frequency-dependent selection

Explanation:

Frequency-dependent selection is a type of natural selection in which the fitness of a phenotype depends on frequency. This includes positive frequency-dependent selection—fitness of a phenotype increases when it is common—and negative frequency-dependent selection—fitness of a phenotype decreases when it is common.

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