Speciation can occur when
A)gene flow is common between two populations.
B)a mutation occurs in an individual.
C)two populations are geographically isolated from each other for a long period of time.
D)the gene pools of two populations of a species remain identical for five or more generations.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Geographical isolation can result in the accumulation of genetic differences between two populations, eventually leading to the development of new species with unique characteristics. This process is known as allopatric speciation. Gene flow (choice A) can prevent speciation by keeping the gene pools of two populations similar. While mutations (choice B) can contribute to genetic diversity, they alone are not enough to cause speciation. Choice D is incorrect because over time, genetic drift and other factors will cause the gene pools of two populations to diverge, even if the initial gene pools were identical.

Speciation Can Occur When