These charts depict the different types of genetic selection. On each graph, the x-axis variable is the type of phenotypic trait and the y-axis variable is the amount of organisms. Group A is the original population and Group B is the population after selection. Graph 1 shows directional selection, in which a single extreme phenotype is favored. Graph 2 depicts stabilizing selection, where the intermediate phenotype is favored over the extreme traits. Graph 3 shows disruptive selection, in which the extreme phenotypes are favored over the intermediate.
In evolutionary biology, disruptive selection, also called diversifying selection, describes changes in population genetics in which extreme values for a trait are favored over intermediate values. In this case, the variance of the trait increases and the population is divided into two distinct groups. In this more individuals acquire peripheral character value at both ends of the distribution curve.[1][2]
^Sinervo, Barry. 1997. Disruptive Selection [1]Archived 2010-06-24 at the Wayback Machine in Adaptation and Selection. 13 April 2010.
^Lemmon, Alan R. 2000. EvoTutor. Natural Selection: Modes of Selection [2]. 13 April 2010.
