Editing Disruptive selection (section)

{{short description|Natural selection for extreme trait values over intermediate ones}}
{{More citations needed|date=December 2009}}
{{Use American English|date=December 2013}}

[[File:Genetic Distribution.svg|thumb|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 [[Phenotypic trait|trait]] are [[Natural selection|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.<ref>Sinervo, Barry. 1997. Disruptive Selection [http://bio.research.ucsc.edu/~barrylab/classes/animal_behavior/SELECT.HTM] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100624093211/http://bio.research.ucsc.edu/~barrylab/classes/animal_behavior/SELECT.HTM|date=2010-06-24}} in Adaptation and Selection. 13 April 2010.</ref><ref>Lemmon, Alan R. 2000. EvoTutor. Natural Selection: Modes of Selection [http://www.evotutor.org/Selection/Sl5A.html]. 13 April 2010.</ref>