In terms of phenotype distribution, what does disruptive selection lead to?

Disruptive selection occurs when individuals at both extremes of a phenotypic range have higher fitness than those in the middle. This type of selection can enhance variance in traits because it favors the most extreme phenotypes while detracting from those that are average. As a result, disruptive selection can lead to a situation where individuals with extreme traits are more successful in reproducing and surviving, ultimately increasing the frequency of these traits within the population.

When disruptive selection is at play, the average phenotypes do not thrive as well in the given environment, allowing for a greater divergence between the extremes. This can lead to speciation events over time as these extreme traits may become more pronounced and result in distinct populations adapting to different niches. Thus, the correct answer highlights the important dynamic of how disruptive selection can foster diversity and increase variance among extreme phenotypes.