When populations share a single habitat but are isolated by genetic or postzygotic mechanisms that prevent gene flow, what process can cause populations to diverge?
A)random mating
B)allopatric speciation
C)sympatric speciation
D)random mutation
E)gene duplication

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When populations share a single habitat but are isolated by genetic or postzygotic mechanisms that prevent gene flow, sympatric speciation can cause populations to diverge. In this process, a new species can arise from a single ancestral species without geographical isolation. This can occur due to various mechanisms such as polyploidy, habitat differentiation, and sexual selection. Random mating (A) and random mutation (D) may lead to genetic variation within populations but do not necessarily cause divergence between populations. Allopatric speciation (B) occurs when populations are separated geographically, so it is not applicable to the scenario given in the question. Gene duplication (E) can provide a new genetic material for evolution but alone does not cause speciation.

When Populations Share a Single Habitat but Are Isolated by Genetic