Members of the ancestral salamander species live in northern California. As they migrate southward, populations are separated by the Central Valley. With limited contact between populations on the east and west of the valley, genetic differences accumulate. What type of speciation occurs under these conditions?
A) sympatric speciation
B) allopatric speciation
C) both sympatric and allopatric speciation
D) neither sympatric or allopatric

Question

Members of the ancestral salamander species live in northern California. As they migrate southward, populations are separated by the Central Valley. With limited contact between populations on the east and west of the valley, genetic differences accumulate. What type of speciation occurs under these conditions? 
A) sympatric speciation 
B) allopatric speciation 
C) both sympatric and allopatric speciation 
D) neither sympatric or allopatric

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Allopatric speciation occurs when populations are separated geographically, as in this scenario where the Central Valley serves as a physical barrier to gene flow. Sympatric speciation occurs when a new species arises within the same geographic area as the ancestral species, which is not the case here where the populations are separated.

Members of the Ancestral Salamander Species Live in Northern California