Which type of speciation occurs when a physical geographic barrier (such as a mountain range or canyon) splits a biological population into two isolated gene pools?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Allopatric speciation
- Step 1: Differentiate geographic mechanisms of reproductive isolation.
- Step 2: Allopatric speciation ('other country') occurs when geographic physical barriers prevent gene flow between separated subpopulations, leading to independent evolutionary divergence via selection and genetic drift.
Answer
Allopatric speciation.
Why not the others: Sympatric speciation occurs within the same geographic habitat without physical barriers; parapatric occurs in contiguous adjacent niches.
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