Parapatric speciation occurs when
A) selection causes a single species to develop different adaptations to a similar environment.
B) a population is divided into two reproductively isolated subgroups that form separate species.
C) a single species experiences a gradient of environmental differences within its geographic range, which result in reproductive isolation.
D) a formerly isolated subpopulation recolonizes its home range and mates with the remaining individuals.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Parapatric speciation occurs when a single species experiences a gradient of environmental differences within its geographic range, which result in reproductive isolation. The populations living in the different environments become phenotypically distinct due to selection and eventually become reproductively isolated from each other, leading to the formation of two separate species. Option A describes divergent selection within a single species. Option B describes allopatric speciation where a population is separated geographically. Option D describes secondary contact and does not necessarily lead to speciation.

Parapatric Speciation Occurs When