Disruptive selection operates whenever

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Disruptive selection occurs when extreme traits on either end of the spectrum are favored by natural selection, leading to a split in the population and potentially the development of two separate species. This is in contrast to stabilizing selection which favors intermediate traits and reduces the variation in a population. Option A is incorrect because disruptive selection is not disrupted by genetic drift, but rather operates independently of it. Option B is also incorrect because disruptive selection implies that there is a shift away from a balanced gene pool towards two distinct gene pools. Option C is incorrect because only the survival of the smallest individuals would not result in a split in the population and is not characteristic of disruptive selection.

Disruptive Selection Operates Whenever