Mortality in babies is an example of Stabilizing Selection.

Stabilizing selection, also known as balancing selection, is a type of natural selection that favors the average phenotype and reduces the occurrence of extreme variations. This process leads to a decrease in genetic diversity within a population. In the case of mortality in babies, stabilizing selection plays a significant role in ensuring the survival and perpetuation of the species.

Here is a detailed explanation of why mortality in babies can be considered an example of stabilizing selection:

1. Stabilizing Selection and Genetic Diversity:
Stabilizing selection occurs when individuals with average or intermediate traits have a higher fitness compared to those with extreme traits. In the case of babies, individuals with average characteristics such as average birth weight, average gestation period, and average organ development are more likely to survive and thrive. This leads to a decrease in the occurrence of babies with extremely high or low birth weights, premature births, or significant developmental abnormalities. As a result, the genetic diversity within the population is reduced.

2. Factors Influencing Mortality in Babies:
Various factors contribute to mortality in babies, including genetic factors, environmental factors, maternal health, and access to healthcare. Stabilizing selection acts on these factors to favor the average traits that promote better survival rates. For example:
- Genetic factors: Stabilizing selection reduces the occurrence of genetic conditions that may increase the risk of mortality, such as certain chromosomal abnormalities or severe congenital malformations.
- Environmental factors: Stabilizing selection favors traits that are better adapted to the prevailing environmental conditions. For instance, babies with average birth weights are more likely to cope with the demands of the intrauterine environment.
- Maternal health: Stabilizing selection favors babies born to mothers who have adequate nutrition, access to healthcare, and a healthy reproductive system. This reduces the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
- Access to healthcare: Stabilizing selection promotes the survival of babies born in populations or regions with better access to healthcare facilities and interventions, such as prenatal care, skilled birth attendants, and neonatal intensive care units.

3. Long-term Impact on Population:
Stabilizing selection ensures that the genetic traits associated with better survival rates are more prevalent in the population over time. This leads to a decrease in the occurrence of extreme variations that may reduce the overall fitness of the population. As a result, the population becomes more adapted to its environment and has a higher chance of survival and reproductive success.

In conclusion, mortality in babies can be considered an example of stabilizing selection because it favors average traits that promote better survival rates and reduce genetic diversity within the population. This process ensures the long-term adaptation and perpetuation of the species.