British land snails are an example of disruptive selection. In the grassy fields, the light-banded snails escape bird predators. In the darker forest, the dark snails survive and the light-banded snails are eaten. The different colored snails have the opportunity to interact and breed across the British landscape. Why doesn't this "disruptive selection" eventually lead to two separate species?
A) There is no reproductive isolation to prevent gene flow.
B) They are already two separate species, and the intermediate forms are hybrids.
C) The color forms are probably not genetically determined.
D) There must be some unknown factor producing an equal stabilizing selection "to hold the species together."
E) This will result in the formation of two species if given long enough time.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Without reproductive isolation to prevent gene flow between the light and dark snails, the traits and genes can continue to mix, making it unlikely for two separate species to form.

British Land Snails Are an Example of Disruptive Selection