In one butterfly species, the colors of individuals range from white to black, with many shades of gray in between. If the butterflies in a mountain population become more and more similar in color over several generations (e.g., if most butterflies are the same shade of gray), what kind of evolutionary force is likely acting on the population?
A) Artificial selection
B) Directional selection
C) Disruptive selection
D) Stabilizing selection

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Stabilizing selection is likely acting on the population because it favors the average individuals in a population and reduces variation by selecting against extreme phenotypes, leading to a more uniform population in terms of the trait under selection, in this case, color.

In One Butterfly Species, the Colors of Individuals Range from White