Assertion (A): Stabilizing selection favours individuals with extreme phenotypes in a population. Reason (R): Stabilizing selecti…

Question

Assertion (A): Stabilizing selection favours individuals with extreme phenotypes in a population.

Reason (R): Stabilizing selection reduces genetic diversity by selecting for the average phenotype.

1. A. Both Assertion and Reason are true, and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion.
2. B. Both Assertion and Reason are true, but Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion.
3. C. Assertion is false, but Reason is true. (Correct answer)
4. D. Assertion is true, but Reason is false.

Correct Answer

Option C — Assertion is false, but Reason is true.

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Assertion is false, but Reason is true..

Key Points

• Assertion A is FALSE - Stabilizing selection favours INTERMEDIATE phenotypes and eliminates extremes (opposite of what is stated).
• Reason R is TRUE - stabilizing selection does reduce diversity by selecting for average phenotype.