Question

Geographic and reproductive isolation are most closely associated with:

• A. Speciation
• B. Extinction
• C. Over production
• D. Competition
• E. Succession

Answer 1

The correct option is A Speciation

The environment may impose an external barrier to reproduction, such as a river or mountain range, between two incipient species but that external barrier alone will not make them separate, full-fledged species. Allopatry may start the process off, but the evolution of internal (i.e., genetically-based) barriers to gene flow is necessary for speciation to be complete.

Speciation requires that the two incipient species be unable to produce viable offspring together or that they avoid mating with members of the other group.