Question

A population of squirrels is preyed on by small hawks. The smaller squirrels can escape into burrows. The larger squirrels can fight off the hawks. After several generations, the squirrels in the area tend to be very small or very large. What process is responsible for this outcome?
a) stabilizing selection
b) directional selection
c) diversifying selection
d) artificial selection
e) hardy-weinberg equilibrium

Answer 1

Diversifying selection is responsible for this outcome.

c) Diversifying selection

Explanation:

Diversifying selection is also known as Disruptive Selection that explains the changes in population genetics and favors individuals at both ends of the phenotypic spectrum. The diversifying selection causes increase in variance of the trait which led to division of the population into two distinct groups.

The disruptive selection helps in evolution of new species from the surviving inherited species. The disruptive selection causes organisms exhibiting intermediate traits to reproduce less, and organisms exhibiting extreme traits to reproduce more.