Question

One of the important consequences of geographical isolation is?

• A. No change in the isolated fauna
• B. Preventing Speciation
• C. Random creation of new species
• D. Speciation through reproductive isolation

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Speciation through reproductive isolation

The correct option is D:

Explanation for Correct option:

1. Speciation occurs due to the process of reproductive isolation of groups within a population and the build-up of genetic differences between them.
2. Populations become reproductively isolated due to a geographical barrier, resulting in allopatric speciation.

Explanation for Incorrect option:

Option A:

1. When organisms (including fauna) become separated, the two groups are also unable to reproduce together, thus variations and mutations that occur in one group are not necessarily found in the other.
2. The longer the groups are apart the more unique their personalities develop.
3. They eventually diverge into separate species.

Option B:

1. Geographic isolation is a natural isolation mechanism.
2. It can lead to speciation over long periods.
3. It occurs when populations of a species become geographically isolated, as the name implies.

Option C:

1. Allopatric speciation is the formation of a new species from an ancestral species as a result of geographical isolation followed by reproductive isolation.

Final answer: One of the important consequences of geographical isolation is speciation through reproductive isolation.