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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is an example of allopatric speciation?
A
Two plant species in the same habitat flower at different times, preventing interbreeding.
B
Polyploidy in a plant species results in instant reproductive isolation from the parent population.
C
Different bird species develop unique mating calls within the same geographic area.
D
A population of squirrels is separated by the formation of a canyon, leading to the evolution of two distinct species.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of allopatric speciation. Allopatric speciation occurs when a population is geographically separated, leading to reproductive isolation and the evolution of distinct species over time. The key factor is physical separation by a geographic barrier.
Step 2: Analyze the examples provided in the problem. Each example describes a scenario of speciation, but only one involves geographic isolation, which is the defining characteristic of allopatric speciation.
Step 3: Evaluate the first example: 'Two plant species in the same habitat flower at different times, preventing interbreeding.' This describes temporal isolation, not geographic isolation, so it is not allopatric speciation.
Step 4: Evaluate the second example: 'Polyploidy in a plant species results in instant reproductive isolation from the parent population.' This describes sympatric speciation, which occurs without geographic separation, so it is not allopatric speciation.
Step 5: Evaluate the fourth example: 'A population of squirrels is separated by the formation of a canyon, leading to the evolution of two distinct species.' This involves geographic isolation due to the canyon, which fits the definition of allopatric speciation. This is the correct example.