Speciation that occurs when a physical geographic barrier (such as a mountain range or ocean) divides a single population into two isolated sub-populations is classified as:
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Allopatric speciation
- Step 1: Geographical barriers (rivers, mountain chains, continental drift) prevent gene flow between separated segments of a population.
- Step 2: Over time, mutation, natural selection, and genetic drift operate independently on each isolated gene pool.
- Step 3: When reproductive isolating mechanisms accumulate to the point where individuals can no longer interbreed if reunited, allopatric speciation has occurred.
Answer
Allopatric speciation.
Why not the others: Sympatric speciation occurs within the same geographical territory without physical barriers (often via polyploidy); Parapatric speciation occurs along an environmental gradient with partial contact; Artificial speciation is human-controlled in laboratories.
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