What is stabilizing selection in the context of natural selection and evolution?

• A. A type of natural selection that favors extreme phenotypes over intermediate ones.
• B. A type of natural selection that occurs when environmental changes favor one extreme phenotype.
• C. A type of natural selection that leads to the formation of new species.
• D. A type of natural selection that favors intermediate phenotypes and reduces variation in a population.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of natural selection: Natural selection is a process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring. It is a key mechanism of evolution.
2. Identify the types of natural selection: There are three main types of natural selection - directional, disruptive, and stabilizing selection. Each type affects the distribution of phenotypes in a population differently.
3. Define stabilizing selection: Stabilizing selection is a type of natural selection that favors intermediate phenotypes over extreme ones. This means that individuals with traits that are average or typical for the population are more likely to survive and reproduce.
4. Recognize the effect of stabilizing selection on a population: Stabilizing selection reduces variation in a population by selecting against extreme phenotypes. This leads to a more uniform population where most individuals have similar traits.
5. Consider examples of stabilizing selection: An example of stabilizing selection is human birth weight. Babies of average weight have higher survival rates compared to those who are extremely small or large, thus favoring the intermediate phenotype.