When the traits in a population shift toward one extreme due to natural selection.

a. directional selection
b. stabilizing selection
c. disruptive selection

a. directional selection

Did you know?

When the traits in a population shift toward one extreme due to natural selection, it is called directional selection! This means that individuals with traits more favorable for their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, causing the population to gradually change over time. In contrast, stabilizing selection occurs when the population's traits remain well-adapted to their environment, as individuals with traits closer to the average have greater fitness. Lastly, disruptive selection is when extreme traits on both ends of the spectrum are favored, leading to a split in the population into two distinct groups. These different types of selection highlight the diverse ways in which nature shapes the genetics and characteristics of species.