Why is it thought that the majority of natural selection is stabilizing selection?
A)Most mutations are deleterious and produce an extreme phenotype that is selected against.
B)Most mutations are beneficial and produce intermediate phenotypes.
C)Mutations produce extreme phenotypes, which are selected for.
D)Artificial selection is the most common, which is a type of stabilizing selection.
E)Directional selection is more common because it increases adaptations to the environment.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Stabilizing selection favors intermediate phenotypes and acts against extreme phenotypes. Since most mutations produce extreme phenotypes, they are selected against by stabilizing selection, leading to the hypothesis that the majority of natural selection is stabilizing selection.

Why Is It Thought That the Majority of Natural Selection