NEET 2026
- Exam
- NEET
- Year
- 2026
- Subject
- Biology
- Chapter
- Chapter
NEET 2026 · Biology · Chapter
During the operation of natural selection, if the graphical...
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 character value, leading to a narrower peak.
Option (B) represents directional selection, where more individuals acquire a specific character value other than the mean, shifting the peak in one direction.
Option (D) represents a population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, where no natural selection or evolutionary change is occurring.
Answer: more individuals acquire peripheral character values at both ends of the distribution curve.
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 character value, leading to a narrower peak.
Option (B) represents directional selection, where more individuals acquire a specific character value other than the mean, shifting the peak in one direction.
Option (D) represents a population in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, where no natural selection or evolutionary change is occurring.
Answer: more individuals acquire peripheral character values at both ends of the distribution curve.