Stabilizing selection is characterized by what kind of phenotypes?

Stabilizing selection is a type of natural selection that favors individuals with traits that are average or intermediate within a population. This form of selection acts to reduce variation and maintain the status quo for a particular trait. By favoring average phenotypes, stabilizing selection can help ensure that these traits continue to be beneficial and remain prevalent, while extreme variations are less likely to succeed in survival and reproduction.

For example, in human birth weight, babies of average weight have higher survival rates compared to those that are too small or too large, illustrating stabilizing selection. This mechanism allows populations to remain stable over time, as it enhances the success of individuals with traits that fit well in their environment.