Compare and contrast stabilising selection with disruptive selection

They both change the allele frequency, and both select against less well adapted phenotypes. Extremes are eliminated in stabilising selection, whereas intermediates are eliminated in disruptive selection. Stabilising selection doesn't lead to speciation, whereas directional leads to speciation (2 extremes form 2 new populations).

ET
Answered by Elizabeth T. Biology tutor

8272 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the role of phospholipids present in cell membranes?


Using your knowledge of osmosis, describe what happens to a red blood cell when they are placed in a beaker of distilled water.


What is the difference between competitive and non competitive inhibitors?


An enzyme catalyses only one reaction. Explain why.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning