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Difficulty: EasyAdaptive Radiation and Mechanisms of Speciation

A continuous population of beetles is split into two geographically isolated groups by the gradual formation of a wide river canyon. Over hundreds of generations, genetic drift and natural selection lead to reproductive isolation between the two groups. Which mechanism of speciation is demonstrated in this scenario?

  1. Allopatric speciationAnswer
  2. B
    Sympatric speciation
  3. C
    Inheritance of acquired traits
  4. D
    Protective mimicry

Answer

Allopatric speciation is the process by which new species arise following geographic isolation of populations.
The correct answer is allopatric speciation because the formation of a physical geographic barrier (the river canyon) prevents gene flow between the two isolated populations, allowing them to diverge evolutionary into distinct species.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the physical separation mechanism in the scenario
The beetle population is split geographically by a physical barrier (river canyon).
Geographic isolation prevents interbreeding and halts gene flow between the sub-populations.
2
Determine the resulting evolutionary process
Independent genetic drift and natural selection lead to reproductive isolation.
Speciation driven by geographic physical barriers is defined specifically as allopatric speciation.

Key Concept

Mechanisms of Speciation - Allopatric Speciation
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Adaptive Radiation and Mechanisms of Speciation

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