Which statement about speciation is true?
A) Evolutionary changes to an organism always result in a species.
B) A single lineage always splits to form species after a few generations.
C) Speciation relies on gene flow.
D) Genetic changes preventing reproduction between formerly interbreeding populations can lead to speciation.
E) Only the biological species concept is concerned with reproductive isolation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Genetic changes preventing reproduction between formerly interbreeding populations can lead to speciation. This is known as reproductive isolation, and it is a crucial component of speciation. The other options are incorrect: A is not true because not all evolutionary changes lead to the formation of a new species, B is not true because speciation can occur in a variety of ways and not necessarily through a lineage splitting, C is not true because gene flow can actually hinder speciation by preventing populations from accumulating genetic differences, and E is not true because there are multiple species concepts that include different criteria for defining a species.

Which Statement About Speciation Is True