In eastern gray squirrels, Sciurus carolinensis, the allele for black fur (B) is dominant to the allele for gray fur (b). In a particular population of gray squirrels, 64% have black fur and 36% have gray fur. A researcher calculated the allelic frequencies to be B = 0.4 and b =0.6. Five years later, the researcher returned to the location and determined the allelic frequencies within the squirrel population to be B = 0.6 and b = 0.4. Which of the following could best explain the increase in the frequency of the Ballele in the population after five years?
(A) The frequency of the B allele increased because it is the dominant allele.
(B) The frequency of the Ballele increased because squirrels with gray fur exhibited greater fitness.
(C) The frequency of the B allele increased due to the selective pressures of the environment.
(D) The frequency of the Ballele increased because black squirrels randomly mate with other eastern gray squirrels.

Respuesta :

The frequency of the B allele increased due to the selective pressures of the environment (Option C). It is fundamental in evolution.

What is evolution?

Evolution can be defined as descendence with modification, which mainly happens due to natural selection.

Natural selection refers to the differential survival and reproduction of the fittest organisms in a population.

Selective environmental pressures affect reproduction/survival and favor the most adapted organisms.

Learn more about evolution here:

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