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nmdcat.online July 14, 2026

Which of the following is a classic example of “disruptive selection” in nature?

A. Human birth weight staying within a safe, narrow range.
B. A population of seed-eating finches having either very large or very small beaks, with almost no intermediate-sized beaks.
✓
C. Pathogenic bacteria developing resistance to a newly introduced antibiotic.
D. Male peacocks evolving massive, elaborate tail feathers to attract mates.

📝 Explanation

Disruptive selection splits the population's phenotypic profile into two distinct groups by selecting against the average/intermediate phenotype.

📖 Additional Information

  • Human birth weight staying within a safe, narrow range.
  • A population of seed-eating finches having either very large or very small beaks, with almost no intermediate-sized beaks.
  • Pathogenic bacteria developing resistance to a newly introduced antibiotic.
  • Male peacocks evolving massive, elaborate tail feathers to attract mates.

Disruptive selection splits the population's phenotypic profile into two distinct groups by selecting against the average/intermediate phenotype.

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