Question

when selection operates to eliminate intermediate phenotypes, it is referred to as
○ directional selection
○ stabilizing selection
○ disruptive selection
○ random chance

Explanation:

Stabilizing selection favors intermediate phenotypes and reduces phenotypic variation. Disruptive selection favors extreme phenotypes. Directional selection shifts the phenotype towards one extreme. Random chance (genetic drift) is not selection. Since the question is about elimination of intermediate phenotypes, it's not stabilizing. But wait, no - wait the question says "When selection operates to eliminate intermediate phenotypes" - no, wait no! Wait the options: Wait the correct concept: Disruptive selection (also called diversifying selection) favors extreme phenotypes and selects against intermediate phenotypes.

Answer:

disruptive selection