Question

Selection acts directly on ______.

Options

• phenotype

• genotype

• the entire genome

• the entire gene pool

Answer 1

Selection acts directly on phenotype.

Explanation:

Natural selection acts directly on the phenotype, the set of observable traits of an organism resulting from its genotype interacting with the environment. Selection favors certain phenotypes that confer a survival or reproductive advantage. Although selection indirectly affects genotypes by influencing which alleles are passed on, it does not act directly on the genotype because genotypes produce phenotypes that are exposed to the environment and selection pressures.