Which condition is most important for the formation of a new species?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Reproductive isolation between two populations
- Step 1: Isolation stops gene flow, so the populations can diverge until they can no longer interbreed.
Answer
Reproductive isolation between two populations.
Why not the others: A sudden increase in population size: bigger populations do not by themselves lead to new species. A decrease in genetic variation: speciation depends on divergence of gene pools. The death of all individuals in one population: speciation requires survival of both populations.
Practise more Evolution and natural selection.
Free questions with an explanation for every one, and full timed South Africa Matric mock tests.
More Evolution and natural selection questions
- According to Darwin's theory of natural selection, which individuals are most likely to leave offspring?
- Lamarck proposed that giraffes evolved long necks because
- Archaeopteryx, which has both reptilian and bird features, is an example of
- Before the Industrial Revolution most peppered moths were light, but in polluted areas dark moths became common. This is best explained by
- Bacteria can become resistant to an antibiotic over time. Which statement explains this?
- A human arm and a whale flipper have the same bone structure but different functions. These are