Answer: favouring both extreme forms.
- A favouring only average forms
- B removing all rare variants
- C reducing genetic variation
- D favouring both extreme forms
Correct answer: D. favouring both extreme forms
Explanation: Disruptive selection favours both extreme phenotypes at the expense of intermediates, which can produce a polymorphic population.
A simple phylogenetic tree: a common ancestor branches into several descendant lineages over time, with each branch point marking a speciation event.
Concept context
Origin of life, Darwin's theory, natural selection, speciation, and evidence for evolution.