Which mode(s) of selection result(s) in a decrease in variation?
A) Stabilizing selection only
B) Directional selection only
C) Disruptive selection only
D) Both stabilizing and disruptive selection
E) Both directional and stabilizing selection

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Both directional and stabilizing selection result in a decrease in variation. Directional selection favors one extreme phenotype over others, reducing variation as the population shifts toward that phenotype. Stabilizing selection favors the intermediate phenotypes and reduces variation by selecting against extreme phenotypes. Disruptive selection, on the other hand, increases variation by favoring extreme phenotypes over intermediate ones.

Which Mode(s) of Selection Result(s) in a Decrease in Variation