In a population, if individulas with extreme properties die and only individulas with average property live, then the selection operating on this population will be :

Options

A. Stabilizing selection
B. Directional slection
C. Diversifying selection
D. Disruptive selection

Answer

To solve the question, we need to understand the different types of natural selection and how they affect a population based on the characteristics of its individuals.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Natural Selection**: Natural selection is a process where individuals with certain traits are more likely to survive and reproduce than others. This can lead to changes in the traits of a population over time.

2. **Identifying the Types of Selection**:
- **Directional Selection**: This occurs when one extreme phenotype is favored over others, causing the population to shift towards that extreme.
- **Disruptive (or Diversifying) Selection**: This occurs when both extreme phenotypes are favored, leading to a population with two or more peaks in traits.
- **Stabilizing Selection**: This occurs when individuals with average traits are favored, and extremes are selected against, leading to a reduction in variation.

3. **Analyzing the Given Scenario**: The question states that individuals with extreme properties die, and only individuals with average properties survive. This means that the average traits are being favored.

4. **Conclusion**: Since individuals with extreme traits are not surviving and those with average traits are, this scenario describes **stabilizing selection**. In stabilizing selection, the population tends to stabilize around the average trait, reducing variation.

5. **Final Answer**: The selection operating on this population is **stabilizing selection**.