The mode of natural selection in which extreme phenotypes are less fit than the optimal intermediate phenotype is:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Stabilizing selection is the mode of natural selection which occurs when natural selection favors the intermediate phenotype and selects against the extreme phenotypes. This leads to a reduction in variation and the maintenance of the optimal phenotype in a population. This can be seen in traits such as birth weight where both extremely low and high birth weights can be disadvantageous compared to intermediate birth weights.

The Mode of Natural Selection in Which Extreme Phenotypes Are