When selective pressures select against the two extremes of a trait, the population experiences stabilising selection. For example, plant height might be acted on by stabilising selection. A plant that is too short may not be able to compete with other plants for sunlight. However, extremely tall plants may be more susceptible to wind damage. Combined, these two selection pressures select to maintain plants of medium height. The number of plants of medium height will increase while the numbers of short and tall plants will decrease.
