Diversifying selection is operating on size in a species of barnacles.This means that _______ have the highest fitness and that the variation should _______ over time if size is heritable and if no other forces are operating.
A) only the largest; increase
B) only the largest; decrease
C) only the smallest; increase
D) the largest and the smallest; increase
E) the largest and the smallest; decrease

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Diversifying selection favors the extremes within a population, in this case, both the largest and smallest barnacles, leading to an increase in variation over time if size is heritable and no other forces are acting on the population.

Diversifying Selection Is Operating on Size in a Species of Barnacles.This