Question

Explain why fluctuating environments favor disruptive selection biology

Answer 1

This is because disruptive environments favor disruptive natural selection that favors the extremes traits in a population. The variance of the trait increases and the population is divided into two distinct groups on both extremities. The attached picture will show how disruptive selection is modeled.

Answer 2

Disruptive selection is a way of natural selection where extreme phenotype gets selected by the nature. Whenever there is sudden change in the environment, it creates sudden forces which favors the selection of extreme phenotype. In simple terms rather than having one ideal phenotype as observed in stabilized environment nature selects different types in the changing environment.