Question

In which of the following selection processes, the lower fitness of heterozygous individuals is seen than homozygous individuals

• A. Artificial selection
• B. Directional selection
• C. Disruptive selection
• D. Neutral selection
• E. Stabilizing selection

Answer 1

The correct option is C Disruptive selection

Selection which is a directional process occurs in response to specific environmental factor and leads to an increase or a decrease in the frequency of genes or genotypes. The consequence of selection on the genetic structure and evolution of organisms is complicated. While natural selection can decrease the genetic variation in populations of organisms, selecting for or against a specific gene or gene combination is referred to as directional selection. Where the selection process increases the genetic variation in populations by selecting for or against several genes or gene combinations, this is referred to as disruptive or balancing selection. Overdominance occurs when the heterozygote has a higher fitness than either homozygote. The selection processes where the lower fitness of heterozygous individuals is seen than homozygous individuals is disruptive selection