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What change is observed in a distribution curve for a trait affected by the distributive selection

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Answered by GPT-4o mini
Disruptive selection, also known as diversifying selection, is a form of natural selection that favors individuals at both extremes of a trait distribution while selecting against the intermediate phenotypes. As a result, the distribution curve for a trait affected by disruptive selection typically shows changes in the following ways:

1. **Bimodal Distribution**: The most noticeable change is that the distribution curve may become bimodal. This means that instead of having a single peak (unimodal), the trait's frequency distribution will begin to show two distinct peaks corresponding to the two extremes of the trait. For example, in a population of organisms with varying body sizes, extreme small and large body sizes may be favored, resulting in two peaks in the distribution.

2. **Reduction in Intermediate Traits**: There will generally be a decrease in the frequency of individuals exhibiting intermediate traits. These individuals are less favored in a disruptive selection scenario, leading to an increase in the prevalence of both extreme phenotypes.

3. **Increased Variability**: Disruptive selection increases the variability of the trait within the population, as the extremes become more pronounced and the middle ground diminishes. This can also lead to greater differentiation among subgroups within a population.

Overall, if disruptive selection continues over generations, the population may diverge into distinct types that could eventually lead to speciation if strong enough and combined with other isolating mechanisms.
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