Read the Article by Brodie III (1992), "Correlational Selection for Color

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The Answer is Correlational selection refers to the process by which two or more traits are selected for simultaneously, due to their correlation or association with each other. In other words, the fitness of an organism is influenced by the combination of traits it possesses, rather than each trait being selected for independently. This can result in the maintenance of genetic variation in a population, as the traits are linked in their evolutionary response to selection.

Genetic factors that might underlie correlational selection include pleiotropy and linkage disequilibrium. Pleiotropy occurs when a single gene affects multiple traits, leading to a correlation between those traits. This can result in the traits being selected for in concert, due to the shared genetic basis. Linkage disequilibrium, on the other hand, refers to the non-random association of alleles at different loci, which can result in the co-inheritance of certain combinations of alleles. This can lead to the maintenance of certain trait combinations in a population, if they provide a fitness advantage.

In the study by Brodie III (1992), the author investigated the hypothesis that color and antipredator behavior in garter snakes might be subject to correlational selection. The author conducted field studies on garter snake populations, measuring both their color patterns and their antipredator behavior. By comparing different populations and analyzing the relationship between color and behavior, the author discovered that there was indeed significant variation in both traits, and that this variation was correlated across populations.

Brodie III proposed that correlational selection might be driving this variation, as certain color patterns might be associated with specific antipredator behaviors that provide a fitness advantage in different environments. For example, snakes with certain color patterns might be better camouflaged in certain habitats, allowing them to exhibit different antipredator behaviors. This would result in the maintenance of both color and behavior variation in the population, as the traits are linked in their response to selection pressures.

Overall, the study provided evidence for the role of correlational selection in driving the evolution of both color and antipredator behavior in garter snake populations, highlighting the complex interplay between genetic factors and environmental pressures in shaping the traits of organisms.

Read the Article by Brodie III (1992), "Correlational Selection for Color

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Read the Article by Brodie III (1992), "Correlational Selection for Color

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Correct Answer:
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