When green forms of the pea aphid suffer a higher rate of parasitism than red morphs, but red morphs are more likely to be attacked by predatory ladybird beetles, the result is:
A) Directional selection
B) Stabilizing selection
C) Balancing selection
D) Disruptive selection
E) Negative binomial selection

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Balancing selection occurs when different forces select for multiple alleles or traits within a population, maintaining genetic diversity. In this case, the green morphs are more susceptible to parasitism, while the red morphs are more likely to be preyed upon by ladybird beetles, suggesting that both forms are maintained in the population due to these opposing selective pressures.

When Green Forms of the Pea Aphid Suffer a Higher