In northern Canada, a population of rabbits was predominantly white in color. The allele for white color is recessive while the
allele for gray color is dominant. Over the last several decades, the average annual temperature of this area has increased and the long-term deposits of ice and snow have become scarce. In this case, the frequency of a previously rare allele becomes more frequent in the population. This is an example of A) nonrandom selection.
B) disruptive selection.
The correct answer is option C) "directional selection".
Explanation:
Directional selection is a type of natural selection characterized by extreme characteristcs of a trait being favored over medium ones. The genetics behind directional selection are based on an allele being favored over the others, either by environmental or biotic conditions. The rabbits in northern Canada is an example of directional selection because a previously rare allele becomes favored due to a change in the environmental conditions. Therefore, the rare allele is selected and now becomes more frequent in rabbits.
