**Stabilising selection** in a population:
AFavours both phenotypic extremes
BFavours intermediate phenotype and eliminates extremes — reduces variation
CShifts the population mean toward one extreme
DCauses population to split into two new species
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. Favours intermediate phenotype and eliminates extremes — reduces variation
Stabilising selection narrows the distribution by removing extreme variants — e.g. human infants of intermediate birthweight survive better than very-low or very-high birthweight ones. Maintains existing adaptations; doesn't drive evolution.
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