Question

Select the INCORRECT statement regarding stabilizing selection.

• A. It acquires mean character value.
• B. Tends to eliminate both the phenotypic extremes.
• C. Population is adapted to its environment.
• D. This kind of selection is seen in African seed cracker finches.

Hint:

Three statements describe stabilizing selection correctly. The finch example belongs to a different type of selection.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Stabilizing selection favours individuals with the average value of a character and removes both extremes.

Step 2: Check statements (A) to (C)
It retains the mean character value, it eliminates both phenotypic extremes, and it operates when the population is already well adapted to a steady environment. All three are true.

Step 3: Check statement (D)
In African seed cracker finches, birds with large beaks (hard seeds) and small beaks (soft seeds) survive better than medium ones. This is disruptive selection.

Step 4: Conclusion
So statement (D) is incorrect for stabilizing selection.

Final Answer:
The incorrect statement is the one citing African seed cracker finches. \[ \boxed{\text{(D) }\text{This kind of selection is seen in African seed cracker finches.}} \]