[Campbell Biology P.547] Refer to Figure 23.13. Which type of natural selection is illustrat... | Practice Question

Refer to Figure 23.13. Which type of natural selection is illustrated in part c and what is its effect on the population's phenotypic distribution, as described in the text?

  • A: Directional selection; it shifts the curve to one extreme.
  • B: Disruptive selection; it favors both extremes, creating two peaks.
  • C: Stabilizing selection; it narrows the curve, preserving intermediate types.
  • D: Stabilizing selection; it broadens the curve, increasing variation.

Explanation

Figure 23.13c clearly shows the distribution narrowing around the intermediate phenotype. The text confirms that 'Stabilizing selection removes extreme variants from the population and preserves intermediate types' and 'reduces variation'.