NEET2026BiologyChapterActual
During the operation of natural selection, if the graphical representation of the trait distribution forms two distinct peaks, it indicates that:
Options
- Amore individuals acquire the mean character value.
- Bmore individuals acquire a specific character value other than the mean character value.
- Cmore individuals acquire peripheral character values at both ends of the distribution curve.
- Dthe population is maintaining Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium without any evolutionary change.
Correct answer
C. more individuals acquire peripheral character values at both ends of the distribution curve.
Step-by-step solution
Natural selection can lead to three main types of changes in the frequency distribution of traits: stabilizing, directional, and disruptive selection. When the graphical representation of the trait distribution forms two distinct peaks, it indicates disruptive selection. In this type of selection, extreme phenotypes (peripheral character values at both ends of the distribution curve) are favored over intermediate phenotypes. Option (A) represents stabilizing selection, where more individuals acquire the mean charac