A region has a relatively small area and a climate with extreme wet and dry cycles during the year.As climate change progresses, the dry cycles are becoming longer, with essentially no wet cycle during some years.Based on the species diversification rate hypothesis, what future trend might be expected in the processes of speciation and extinction?
A) Both speciation and extinction will likely increase.
B) Both speciation and extinction will likely decrease.
C) Neither speciation nor extinction is likely to change.
D) Speciation will likely increase and extinction will decrease.
E) Speciation will likely decrease and extinction will increase.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

With longer dry cycles and essentially no wet cycle during some years, it is likely that the region will become more hostile to many species. As a result, species may struggle to survive and reproduce, leading to increased extinction rates. Additionally, with the environment becoming more inhospitable and challenging, there may be fewer opportunities for speciation to occur, leading to a decrease in the rate of new species formation. Therefore, speciation is likely to decrease and extinction is likely to increase.

A Region Has a Relatively Small Area and a Climate