Question

Raj surveyed the composition of three different forest plots. He measured the frequency of occurrence of 13 different tree species and the basal area of each species (measurement of tree circumference at breast height and area occupied by a particular species) in square meters per hectare. The closely related species are:

• A. Red pine and red oak
• B. Red oak and red maple
• C. Red oak and American elm
• D. White spruce and strobe pine
• E. Quaking aspen and balsam poplar

Answer 1

The correct option is E Quaking aspen and balsam poplar

Quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) and balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera) are the most closely related species. They belong to the same genus, Populus.

Allopatric speciation - speciation that occurs when biological populations of the same species become vicariant, or isolated from each other to an extent that prevents or interferes with genetic interchange.

Sympatric speciation is the process through which new species evolve from a single ancestral species while inhabiting the same geographic region.

Parapatric speciation is extremely rare. It occurs when populations are separated not by a geographical barrier, such as a body of water, but by an extreme change in habitat. While populations in these areas may interbreed, they often develop distinct characteristics and lifestyles.

Quantum speciation: This involves sudden formation of a new species by rapid changes or saltation, caused by megamutation and disruptive selection, hybridization or polyploidy.