[Campbell Biology P.547] Which statement accurately describes one of the modes of natural se... | Practice Question

Which statement accurately describes one of the modes of natural selection discussed in the text?

  • A: Directional selection favors individuals at both extremes of a phenotypic range.
  • B: Stabilizing selection reduces variation by favoring intermediate variants.
  • C: Disruptive selection shifts the overall makeup of the population towards one extreme.
  • D: All three types of selection tend to increase phenotypic variation in a population.

Explanation

Stabilizing selection, as stated in the text, 'acts against both extreme phenotypes and favors intermediate variants. This mode of selection reduces variation and tends to maintain the status quo for a particular phenotypic character.'