If a population speciates in the absence of a physical barrier it is known as
A) sympatric speciation.
B) disruptive selection.
C) directional selection.
D) hybrid sterility.
E) allopatric speciation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sympatric speciation occurs when a population speciates without a physical barrier. This can occur through various mechanisms such as polyploidy, disruptive selection, or mate choice based on non-physical traits. Disruptive selection and directional selection are types of natural selection that can lead to evolution, but they do not necessarily result in speciation. Hybrid sterility refers to the inability of hybrids between two different species to produce viable offspring. Allopatric speciation, on the other hand, occurs when a population is physically divided by a barrier such as a mountain range or a river, leading to the evolution of distinct species in each isolated population.

If a Population Speciates in the Absence of a Physical