By default, the sprite is selected and displayed in the middle of the stage. Let's explore this further.

Default Selection:
When you open a new project in a sprite-based programming environment, such as Scratch or Alice, the default selection is usually a sprite. The sprite is a graphical object that can be moved, animated, and interacted with by the user. It can represent a character, an object, or any other element in the program.

Display in the Middle of Stage:
When the sprite is selected, it is displayed in the middle of the stage. The stage is the area where the program is visually presented. It acts as a backdrop for the sprites and provides a canvas for their movements and interactions.

Here's how the sprite is positioned in the middle of the stage:

1. Stage Dimensions: The stage has specific dimensions, usually represented by a rectangular area. The width and height of the stage determine its size and shape.

2. Coordinate System: The stage's coordinate system is based on a grid. The horizontal axis is called the x-axis, and the vertical axis is called the y-axis. The origin point (0,0) is located at the center of the stage.

3. Default Sprite Position: When the sprite is initially displayed, its default position is set at the center of the stage. This means that its x-coordinate and y-coordinate are both set to 0.

4. Visual Representation: The sprite is visually represented by an image or a graphic. It is displayed as a movable object on the stage. The sprite's appearance can be customized by choosing different costumes or images.

5. Interaction and Movement: Once the sprite is displayed in the middle of the stage, it can be interacted with by the user or programmed to move around using various commands and scripts.

Overall, the default selection of a sprite and its display in the middle of the stage provide a starting point for creating interactive and visually appealing programs. From this position, the sprite can be programmed to perform various actions, respond to user input, and engage with other sprites or objects in the program.