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Multiple Choice
Which type of natural selection is most likely to result in the formation of two distinct phenotypes within a population?
A
Directional selection
B
Disruptive selection
C
Stabilizing selection
D
Balancing selection
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand 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 within a population over time.
Review the types of natural selection: Directional selection favors one extreme phenotype, stabilizing selection favors intermediate phenotypes, balancing selection maintains genetic diversity, and disruptive selection favors both extreme phenotypes over intermediate ones.
Focus on disruptive selection: Disruptive selection occurs when environmental conditions favor individuals at both extremes of a trait, leading to the formation of two distinct phenotypes within a population. Intermediate phenotypes are selected against.
Consider examples of disruptive selection: For instance, in a population of birds, individuals with either very large or very small beaks may be favored if the available food consists of large seeds and small seeds, while birds with medium-sized beaks may struggle to eat either type of seed.
Conclude why disruptive selection is the correct answer: Disruptive selection is most likely to result in the formation of two distinct phenotypes because it actively selects against the intermediate phenotype, promoting divergence within the population.