The tendency of individuals to choose mates who are like themselves is called
a. Natural selection
b. Sexual selection
c. Assortative mating
d. The founder effect
e. Random mating

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the question. The problem is asking for the term that describes the tendency of individuals to choose mates who are similar to themselves. This is a concept related to mating behavior in biology.
2. Step 2: Review the provided options. The options are: (a) natural selection, (b) sexual selection, (c) assortative mating, (d) the founder effect, and (e) random mating. Each term has a specific definition in biology.
3. Step 3: Eliminate incorrect options. For example, natural selection (a) refers to the process where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, which is not directly related to mate similarity. Random mating (e) refers to a situation where mates are chosen without regard to traits, which is the opposite of the behavior described in the question.
4. Step 4: Focus on the correct concept. Assortative mating (c) specifically refers to the tendency of individuals to choose mates who are similar to themselves in certain traits, such as size, color, or behavior. This matches the description in the question.
5. Step 5: Verify your understanding. Cross-check the definition of assortative mating with the question to ensure it aligns with the behavior described. This confirms that the correct answer is (c) assortative mating.

Key Concepts

Assortative Mating

Assortative mating is a mating pattern where individuals select partners with similar phenotypic traits, such as physical appearance or genetic characteristics. This behavior can lead to increased genetic similarity within a population and can influence evolutionary processes by affecting allele frequencies.

Sexual Selection

Sexual selection is a form of natural selection where individuals with certain traits are more likely to attract mates and reproduce. This can lead to the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as elaborate plumage in birds, which may not necessarily enhance survival but improve mating success.

Natural Selection

Natural selection is the process by which individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce, leading to the gradual evolution of species. It operates on the principle that variations in traits can affect an organism's fitness in a given environment, shaping the genetic makeup of future generations.