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Multiple Choice
Why do disruptive selection pressures tend to favor rapid evolutionary changes?
A
They favor individuals with intermediate traits, reducing genetic variation and slowing evolution.
B
They cause populations to migrate to new environments, which is the primary driver of evolutionary change.
C
They eliminate all genetic variation, resulting in a genetically uniform population.
D
They increase the reproductive success of individuals at both extremes of a trait, leading to greater genetic divergence within a population.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the concept of disruptive selection: Disruptive selection is a type of natural selection that favors individuals with extreme traits at both ends of a spectrum, while selecting against individuals with intermediate traits. This leads to increased genetic divergence within a population.
Analyze the impact of reproductive success: In disruptive selection, individuals with extreme traits have higher reproductive success compared to those with intermediate traits. This means that the genetic traits associated with the extremes are more likely to be passed on to future generations.
Consider the role of genetic variation: Disruptive selection increases genetic variation within a population because it promotes the survival and reproduction of individuals with diverse traits at opposite ends of the spectrum.
Relate to evolutionary change: The increased genetic divergence caused by disruptive selection creates distinct subgroups within a population. Over time, these subgroups may evolve independently, leading to rapid evolutionary changes.
Connect to the correct answer: The correct answer highlights that disruptive selection increases the reproductive success of individuals at both extremes of a trait, which drives greater genetic divergence and accelerates evolutionary change within a population.