The same gene that causes various coat patterns in wild and domesticated cats also causes a cross-eyed condition in these cats,the cross-eyed condition being slightly maladaptive.In a hypothetical environment,the coat pattern that is associated with crossed eyes is highly adaptive,with the result that both the coat pattern and the cross-eyed condition increase in a feline population over time.Which statement is supported by these observations?
A)Evolution is progressive and tends toward a more perfect population.
B)Phenotype is often the result of compromise.
C)Natural selection reduces the frequency of maladaptive genes in populations over the course of time.
D)Polygenic inheritance is generally maladaptive and should become less common in future generations.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of a maladaptive trait (crossed eyes) in a highly adaptive environment suggests that phenotype is often the result of compromise, or trade-offs between different traits. In this case, the coat pattern may provide a selective advantage, while the crossed eyes may be a disadvantage. This illustrates the complexity of natural selection and how it can act on multiple traits simultaneously. The other answer choices are not supported by the observations given.

The Same Gene That Causes Various Coat Patterns in Wild