Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · Natural and artificial selection

Natural and artificial selection — practice question

(a)[3]

Explain what stabilising selection means.

(b)

Fig. 8.1 displays the distribution of fur colour in a mouse population. The soil in the habitat where the mice lived was mid-brown.

(b(i))[2]

Suggest why the numbers of white-furred mice and black-furred mice were lowest in Fig. 8.1.

(b(ii))[2]

An environmental change made the soil turn dark brown. On Fig. 8.1, sketch a curve to show the fur-colour distribution in the mouse population after many generations.

(c)[2]

Explain what genetic drift means.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 9-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: Intermediate phenotypes are favoured

  • Full mark scheme, point by point
  • Step-by-step worked solution
  • Write your answer & get it marked instantly by AI