In stabilizing selection, what happens to the average peak of the trait distribution?

In stabilizing selection, what happens to the average peak of the trait distribution?

• A. The peak shifts to one side
• B. The peak stays the same but gets narrower
• C. The peak disappears entirely
• D. The peak becomes broader

Answer: (B)

In stabilizing selection, the average peak of the trait distribution remains the same, while the variance around that average decreases, making the peak narrower. This phenomenon occurs because individuals with traits that are extreme, either on the high or low end, are selected against. Consequently, those individuals with traits closer to the average are more likely to survive and reproduce, thus reinforcing the status quo of the average trait within the population. As a result, the distribution becomes more concentrated around the mean, leading to a narrower peak. This type of selection promotes a balance within the population and ensures that beneficial traits are preserved over generations.

In stabilizing selection, the average peak of the trait distribution remains the same, while the variance around that average decreases, making the peak narrower. This phenomenon occurs because individuals with traits that are extreme, either on the high or low end, are selected against. Consequently, those individuals with traits closer to the average are more likely to survive and reproduce, thus reinforcing the status quo of the average trait within the population. As a result, the distribution becomes more concentrated around the mean, leading to a narrower peak. This type of selection promotes a balance within the population and ensures that beneficial traits are preserved over generations.