Low rates of mutation can maintain variation in a population because many different genotypes generate intermediate phenotypes that are favored by ________ selection.
A) stabilizing
B) disruptive
C) directional
D) All of the above.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Stabilizing selection favors intermediate phenotypes and eliminates extreme phenotypes, thus maintaining variation within a population. Low rates of mutation may not generate new phenotypes, but they can contribute to the maintenance of existing variation through stabilizing selection. Disruptive and directional selection, on the other hand, can reduce variation in a population by favoring extreme phenotypes or by selecting for one particular phenotype, respectively.

Low Rates of Mutation Can Maintain Variation in a Population