Answer:
Option C is correct.
The information provided clearly shows that the babies with average weights form a stable selection, the average is favoured.
Stabilizing selection is occurring because the average is favored.
Explanation:
Concluding Part of the question
A graph entitled Percentage of Babies born at Different Weights has weight in pounds on the horizontal axis, and percentage on the vertical axis. A small percentage of babies are born at the low and higher birth weights, and a greater amount are around 7 to 8 pounds.
Which statement is a valid claim that could be made using the data in the graph?
A) Directional selection is occurring because the graph favors an extreme.
B) Disruptive selection is occurring because the two extremes are favored.
C) Stabilizing selection is occurring because the average is favored.
D) Biodiversity variation is occurring because there is an increase in trait variation.
Explanation
Stabilizing selection represents a form of natural selection where the intermediate variants of a trait, that is the non-extreme trait values are the ones that ensure the survival and subsequent formation of stable population of the species with this average traits.
In this question, it is given through the data from the graph that babies with very low or very high weights are less likely to survive.
And it is logical as very low weight babies are most likely to be very weak, fragile and susceptible to being on the wrong side of natural selection and very high weight babies have all sorts of overweight issues plus the fact that they have to literally be squeezed out of the womb through a very narrow canal, really pushing their oversight bodies to its limits very early making them also susceptible to being on the wrong side of natural selection.
The average weight babies on the other hand do not experience any of the issues discussed in the last paragraph, they are usually healthy and thus have a high survival rate. So, it is evident to see that the population of babies stabilizes based on a particular non-extreme trait value (baby weight) through stabilizing selection.
Hope this Helps!!!
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