Question

In the diagram, the x-axis denotes the number of individuals with a certain phenotype. The dotted lines denote the phenotypes favoured by natural selection. Which of the following inferences can be drawn from the given diagram?

• A. This natural selection will lead to stabilisation.
• B. In this pattern of natural selection, more individuals will acquire the mean character value.
• C. This natural selection will lead to a directional change.
• D. This natural selection will lead to disruption.

Answer 1

Answer: (D)

Natural selection can lead to stabilisation (in which more individuals acquire mean character value), directional change (more individuals acquire value other than the mean character value) or disruption (more individuals acquire peripheral character value at both ends of the distribution curve). The characteristic two peaks of the graph clearly indicate a disruptive selection.