Research resolves old polymorphism puzzle
Friday, March 11, 2016 - 08:20
in Biology & Nature
The coexistence within species of two or more different forms has puzzled biologists for more than a century. According to evolutionary theory, natural selection should remove inferior individuals from the population, and thereby erode diversity and promote monomorphism. New research published in the journal Scientific Reports demonstrates that polymorphism as such can be beneficial for both individuals and populations by offering protection against predators.