Question

Which of the following types of selection reduce genetic variation? check all that apply.

o directional
o selection
o disruptive
o stabilizing

Answer 1

The correct answer is option 1. Directional selection and stabilizing selection are the types of selection that can reduce genetic variation in a population by favoring certain phenotypes over others, thus narrowing the range of genetic diversity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The types of selection that can reduce genetic variation in a population are directional selection and stabilizing selection. Stabilizing selection occurs when natural selection favors an average phenotype and selects against both extremes, effectively narrowing the phenotypic range.

An illustration of this process can be seen in populations of mice living in the woods, where those with fur color most closely matched to the forest floor are most likely to survive and reproduce, thus reducing genetic variance in the population.

Meanwhile, directional selection favors one extreme phenotype over the other, shifting the entire population towards that trait and reducing the variation as other traits become less common or are eliminated.