Which Type of Selection Can Affect the Distribution of a Quantitative

Question

Which type of selection can affect the distribution of a quantitative trait?
A) Directional selection
B) Disruptive selection
C) Stabilizing selection
D) Directional selection and Disruptive selection
E) All of these

Accepted Answer

All of these types of selection can affect the distribution of a quantitative trait. Directional selection favors one extreme of the trait distribution, potentially shifting the entire distribution over time. Disruptive selection favors both extremes of the trait distribution, potentially leading to a bimodal distribution. Stabilizing selection favors the mean of the trait distribution, reducing variation and making the distribution more narrow.