Speciation is a two-part process. What reflects the two-part process? 1. Initial

Question

Speciation is a two-part process.
What reflects the two-part process?
1. Initially identical populations must di-
verge but also interbreed to maintain gene
flow.
2. Initially identical populationsmust evolve
reproductive isolation and then move to dif-
ferent habitats.
3. Initially identical populations must mate
and maintain reproductive isolating mecha-
nisms.
4. Initially identical populations must di-
verge and evolve reproductive isolating mech-
anisms to remain separate.
5. Initially identical populationsmust evolve
mechanisms to diverge and then remain
closely related by reproductive isolating
mechanisms that fail.

Explanation / Answer

Hi!

Speciation involves a gradual accumulation of genetic changes in a sub-population which eventually results in an entirely new species. In order for this to take place, two things must occur:

1- There needs to be some kind of ecological/geographic separation of the sub-population from the larger group.

2- There needs to be reproductive isolation to promote the speciation process within that sub-group without reintroducing the gene pool of the greater group.

Typically, these two goals are met when a sub-group is geographically isolated or perhaps displaced to a new ecological environment (maybe by weather, human interference or sudden changes in predators). This diverging or splitting off the gene pool is usually referred to as cladogenesis and this type of speciation would be specifically referred to as allopatric speciation.

In my opinion this best answer to this question, among the choices listed, is "4. Initially identical populations must diverge and evolve reproductive isolating mechanisms to remain separate."

I hope this helps! Please rate if it does : )

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse S
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.