What type of selection favors the average traits in a population?

What type of selection favors the average traits in a population?

• A. Directional selection
• B. Disruptive selection
• C. Stabilizing selection
• D. Sexual selection

Answer: (C)

Stabilizing selection is a type of natural selection that promotes the average traits within a population while reducing the prevalence of extreme traits. In this process, individuals with traits that are closer to the median or average tend to have higher fitness, meaning they are more likely to survive and reproduce. For example, in a population of a species where body size is important, individuals with sizes around the average may be better at finding food and avoiding predators compared to those that are either much smaller or much larger. As a result, the population will gradually have more individuals with average traits over successive generations. This type of selection helps maintain the status quo in a population by preserving the central traits and reducing variation.

Stabilizing selection is a type of natural selection that promotes the average traits within a population while reducing the prevalence of extreme traits. In this process, individuals with traits that are closer to the median or average tend to have higher fitness, meaning they are more likely to survive and reproduce. For example, in a population of a species where body size is important, individuals with sizes around the average may be better at finding food and avoiding predators compared to those that are either much smaller or much larger. As a result, the population will gradually have more individuals with average traits over successive generations. This type of selection helps maintain the status quo in a population by preserving the central traits and reducing variation.