Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following best describes allopatric speciation?
A
New species arise within the same geographic area without physical separation.
B
A population is divided by a physical barrier, leading to the formation of new species due to geographic isolation.
C
Hybrid individuals form between two species and become reproductively isolated from both parent species.
D
Speciation occurs as a result of polyploidy, especially in plants.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the concept of speciation, which is the process by which new species arise. Speciation can occur through various mechanisms, including geographic isolation, reproductive isolation, and genetic changes.
Step 2: Focus on the term 'allopatric speciation.' Break it down: 'allo-' means 'other,' and 'patric' refers to 'place.' This type of speciation occurs when populations of the same species are physically separated by a geographic barrier, such as mountains, rivers, or oceans.
Step 3: Recognize that geographic isolation prevents gene flow between the separated populations. Over time, genetic differences accumulate due to mutations, natural selection, and genetic drift, leading to the formation of distinct species.
Step 4: Compare allopatric speciation to other types of speciation mentioned in the problem. For example, sympatric speciation occurs without physical separation, often through mechanisms like polyploidy or behavioral isolation. Hybrid speciation involves the formation of new species from hybrid individuals, and polyploidy-driven speciation is common in plants.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct description of allopatric speciation is: 'A population is divided by a physical barrier, leading to the formation of new species due to geographic isolation.' This aligns with the definition and mechanism of allopatric speciation.