The natural selection in which more number of individuals acquire peripheral character value at both ends of the distribution curve is called ----------------- selection.

Natural selection can be of three main types based on its effect on the distribution of traits in a population:

Stabilizing selection: More individuals acquire the mean character value, and variation is reduced.

Directional selection: More individuals acquire a value other than the mean character value, shifting the peak in one direction.

Disruptive selection: More individuals acquire peripheral character values at both ends of the distribution curve, leading to a bimodal distribution where extreme traits are favored over intermediate ones.

Therefore, the selection described in the question is disruptive selection.

Answer: disruptive