Directional Selection in Plant Populations
A population of deer that preferentially consumes plants with short thorns is introduced into an area. Over time, which of the following is most likely to occur within the plant population?
A
The plants will evolve new stem phenotypes to avoid being consumed by the deer.
B
The population will experience directional selection, resulting in plants with predominantly large thorns.
C
The population will experience stabilizing selection, resulting in predominantly intermediately rigid, short-thorned plants.
D
The population will experience disruptive selection, resulting in predominantly rigid, thornless plants and soft-thorned plants.