A large population of animals is split in two by a physical barrier.Over time,the genetic makeup of the two resulting populations becomes more and more different,until each population becomes a separate species.This is an example of
A) sympatric speciation.
B) allopatric speciation.
C) genetic drift.
D) natural selection.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The scenario described in the question is an example of allopatric speciation, where a physical barrier separates a population into two or more geographically isolated groups. Over time, genetic differences accumulate due to factors such as mutation, genetic drift, and natural selection, eventually resulting in the formation of separate species. Sympatric speciation, on the other hand, occurs when a new species arises within the same geographic area as the parent population, without physical separation. Genetic drift and natural selection are mechanisms that can drive speciation, but alone they do not result in the physical separation required for allopatric speciation to occur.

A Large Population of Animals Is Split in Two by a Physical