Speciation caused by a change in the course of a river is an example of ____ speciation.
A) divergent
B) parapatric
C) allopatric
D) convergent
E) sympatric

Question

Speciation caused by a change in the course of a river is an example of ____ speciation.
A) ​divergent
B) ​parapatric
C) ​allopatric
D) ​convergent
E) ​sympatric

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Allopatric speciation occurs when a physical barrier such as a river separates a population into two or more geographically isolated groups, leading to different evolutionary paths and eventually, the development of new species. Therefore, the speciation caused by a change in the course of a river is an example of allopatric speciation. Divergent speciation describes the process by which two or more species evolve from a common ancestor and become increasingly distinct, whereas convergent speciation involves unrelated species developing similar traits or forms due to similar environmental pressures. Parapatric speciation involves the development of new species within a narrow geographic range where populations are in contact or near contact with each other. Sympatric speciation occurs in the absence of a physical barrier, through other forms of reproductive isolation, such as polyploidy or niche differentiation.

Speciation Caused by a Change in the Course of a River