<P> Balancing selection refers to a number of selective processes by which multiple alleles ( different versions of a gene ) are actively maintained in the gene pool of a population at frequencies larger than expected from genetic drift alone . This can happen by various mechanisms , in particular , when the heterozygotes for the alleles under consideration have a higher fitness than the homozygote . In this way genetic polymorphism is conserved . </P>
<P> Balancing selection refers to a number of selective processes by which multiple alleles ( different versions of a gene ) are actively maintained in the gene pool of a population at frequencies larger than expected from genetic drift alone . This can happen by various mechanisms , in particular , when the heterozygotes for the alleles under consideration have a higher fitness than the homozygote . In this way genetic polymorphism is conserved . </P>
balancing selection is concerned with successful reproduction of
balancing selection is concerned with successful reproduction of
multiple alleles ( different versions of a gene )
multiple alleles ( different versions of a gene )