Disruptive selection favors the average phenotype, while stabilizing selection favors rare phenotypes.
C
Disruptive selection leads to a decrease in the number of phenotypes, while stabilizing selection increases the number of phenotypes.
D
Disruptive selection favors individuals at both extremes of a trait, while stabilizing selection favors individuals with intermediate traits.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the concept of natural selection. Natural selection is a process where individuals with traits better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. This leads to changes in the frequency of traits in a population over time.
Step 2: Define disruptive selection. Disruptive selection occurs when individuals with extreme phenotypes (traits at both ends of the spectrum) are favored over individuals with intermediate phenotypes. This can lead to an increase in genetic variation and potentially the formation of two distinct groups within a population.
Step 3: Define stabilizing selection. Stabilizing selection occurs when individuals with intermediate phenotypes are favored over those with extreme phenotypes. This reduces genetic variation and maintains the status quo of the population's traits.
Step 4: Contrast the two types of selection. Disruptive selection increases the prevalence of extreme traits and can lead to greater phenotypic diversity, while stabilizing selection reduces phenotypic diversity by favoring the average or intermediate traits.
Step 5: Apply this understanding to the options provided. The correct answer is the one that accurately describes the difference: 'Disruptive selection favors individuals at both extremes of a trait, while stabilizing selection favors individuals with intermediate traits.' This aligns with the definitions and effects of these two types of selection.