Question

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

Explanation:

• Directional selection shifts the population toward one extreme phenotype, reducing variation.
• Disruptive selection favors two or more extreme phenotypes over the intermediate ones, which increases both phenotypic and genetic variation as more distinct traits are selected for.
• Stabilizing selection favors intermediate phenotypes, reducing variation.
• Species selection is about selection at the species level (e.g., extinction rates), not directly about phenotypic/genetic variation within a population.

Answer:

B. disruptive selection