One way for disruptive selection to occur is if a. the...

One way for disruptive selection to occur is if
a. the population contains diversity.
b. the environment contains diversity.
c. pollution is present.
d. natural selection occurs.
e. All of these are correct.

Key Concepts

Disruptive Selection

Disruptive selection is a mode of natural selection in which extreme values for a trait are favored over intermediate values. This leads to a divergence in trait distribution within a population, potentially resulting in two or more contrasting forms or even speciation. It relies on the selective pressures that favor individuals at both extremes of a trait over those in the middle.

Environmental Heterogeneity

Environmental heterogeneity refers to diversity in environmental conditions across habitats or within a habitat. This diversity can lead to varying selection pressures on individuals with different traits, which is a key factor in disruptive selection. When different environmental niches exist, extremal phenotypes may be better adapted to specific conditions, while intermediate forms might be less favored.

Genetic Diversity

Genetic diversity is the variation in the genetic composition among individuals within a population. It provides the raw material upon which natural selection acts, allowing for differing traits among individuals. Without such variation, evolutionary processes like disruptive selection would have little to act upon, as there would be limited differences in traits to be selected for or against.

Natural Selection

Natural selection is the process by which traits that enhance an individual's fitness become more common in a population over successive generations. It is the underlying mechanism driving many forms of evolutionary change, including disruptive selection, by favoring individuals whose traits are best suited to their specific environmental conditions.

Transcript

Please give Ace some feedback