Question

which type of selection leads to increased phenotypic and genetic variation?
directional selection
disruptive selection
stabilizing selection
species selection

Explanation:

• Directional selection: Favors one extreme phenotype, reducing genetic variation as it moves the population towards that extreme.
• Disruptive selection: Favors extreme phenotypes over intermediate ones. This can lead to increased phenotypic and genetic variation as different extreme traits are selected for, potentially splitting a population into subgroups with distinct traits.
• Stabilizing selection: Favors intermediate phenotypes, reducing genetic and phenotypic variation by selecting against extreme traits.
• Species selection: A higher - level concept related to the differential success of species, not directly about within - population variation in the same sense as the other three types of selection.

Answer:

B. disruptive selection