Stabilizing selection __________.

• A. prevents mutations from occurring
• B. occurs when some individuals migrate to an area with different environmental conditions
• C. usually results in two distinct phenotypes
• D. occurs only in plants
• E. favors intermediate variants in a population

Answer: (E)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of stabilizing selection: It is a type of natural selection that favors the average individuals in a population. This means that individuals with extreme traits are less likely to survive and reproduce.
2. Recognize that stabilizing selection reduces variation in a population by selecting against extreme phenotypes and favoring the intermediate ones.
3. Consider the context of the problem: The question is asking about the characteristics of stabilizing selection, not about mutations, migration, or specific organisms like plants.
4. Evaluate the given options: The correct answer should align with the definition of stabilizing selection, which is the favoring of intermediate variants.
5. Conclude that the correct answer is the one that states 'favors intermediate variants in a population', as this directly describes the effect of stabilizing selection.