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Multiple Choice
Which of the following could result in speciation due to biogeographic isolation?
A
Seasonal changes cause temporary migration of a mammal population.
B
Two populations of fish interbreed freely in the same lake.
C
A mutation arises in a single individual but spreads rapidly throughout a panmictic population.
D
A population of birds is separated by the formation of a new mountain range, leading to genetic divergence.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of speciation. Speciation occurs when populations of the same species become reproductively isolated and diverge genetically over time, often due to physical, ecological, or behavioral barriers.
Step 2: Recognize the role of biogeographic isolation in speciation. Biogeographic isolation refers to the physical separation of populations by geographic barriers, such as mountains, rivers, or oceans, which prevent gene flow between populations.
Step 3: Analyze the options provided in the problem. Seasonal migration and interbreeding in the same lake do not create permanent reproductive isolation, and a mutation spreading in a panmictic population does not involve geographic separation.
Step 4: Focus on the scenario where a population of birds is separated by the formation of a new mountain range. This creates a physical barrier that prevents gene flow between the two populations, allowing genetic divergence to occur over time.
Step 5: Conclude that the formation of a new mountain range leading to genetic divergence is an example of speciation due to biogeographic isolation, as it fulfills the criteria of physical separation and reproductive isolation.