Question

chapter quiz: processes of evolution
total points: --/100
which of these scenarios is an example of disruptive selection?
darker colored morphs in a butterfly population are more adaptive than lighter colored morphs, and light morphs are eliminated from the population.
the dark and light color morphs of a butterfly population are maintained, and the intermediate gray morphs are eliminated from the population.
intermediate gray morphs of a butterfly population are maintained, and the extreme dark and light color morphs have been eliminated.

Explanation:

Define disruptive selection

Disruptive selection is a mode of Natural Selection Modes where extreme phenotypes are favored over intermediate ones.

Analyze the first scenario

The first option describes a shift toward one extreme (darker morphs) while eliminating the other (lighter morphs). This is directional selection.

Analyze the second scenario

The second option describes favoring both extremes (dark and light morphs) while eliminating the intermediate phenotype (gray morphs). This matches disruptive selection.

Analyze the third scenario

The third option describes favoring the intermediate phenotype (gray morphs) while eliminating both extremes. This is stabilizing selection.

Identify the correct choice

The second scenario is the correct example of disruptive selection.

Answer:

• Darker colored morphs in a butterfly population are more adaptive than lighter colored morphs, and light morphs are eliminated from the population.
• The dark and light color morphs of a butterfly population are maintained, and the intermediate gray morphs are eliminated from the population. (Correct answer)
• Intermediate gray morphs of a butterfly population are maintained, and the extreme dark and light color morphs have been eliminated.