Question

Given below are two statements. Statement I - In disruptive natural selection individuals acquire peripheral character value at both the ends of distribution curve. Statement II - Industrial melanism is an example of disruptive selection. In the light of above statements, select the correct option given below:

• A. Both statement I and statement II are correct.
• B. Both statement I and statement II are incorrect.
• C. Statement I is correct but statement II is incorrect.
• D. Statement I is incorrect but statement II is correct.

Hint:

Disruptive selection favours both extreme phenotypes, while industrial melanism is an example of directional selection.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Natural selection can be stabilising, directional or disruptive depending on which part of the distribution curve is favoured.

Step 2: Statement I
In disruptive selection the individuals at both peripheral ends of the curve are favoured and the average ones are reduced, so the curve splits into two peaks. Statement I is correct.

Step 3: Statement II
Industrial melanism (peppered moth) shows a shift of the population towards dark forms, which is directional selection and not disruptive selection. Statement II is incorrect.

Step 4: Compare the options
Statement I is correct and statement II is incorrect, which matches the third option.

Final Answer:
Statement I is correct and statement II is incorrect. \[ \boxed{\text{(C) }\text{Statement I is correct but statement II is incorrect.}} \]