A particular species of frog has a broad geographic distribution across southern Australia. In the breeding season, males congregate at marshy areas and call to attract females. Young frogs do not disperse widely from their natal marsh. Through time, the mating call of male frogs in the north-western region of the distribution gradually diverges from the 'normal' call, until females from the rest of the species range no longer recognise and respond to the call. Similarly, females from the north-western region no longer recognise male frogs from other parts of the species distribution as potential mates. This would be considered an example of
A) allopatric speciation.
B) sympatric speciation.
C) parapatric speciation.
D) either sympatric or parapatric speciation.
E) both allopatric speciation and parapatric speciation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Parapatric speciation occurs when populations are adjacent to each other and there is some gene flow, but they diverge due to different selective pressures or mating behaviors, as seen in the frog population.

A Particular Species of Frog Has a Broad Geographic Distribution