Question

Which of the following would promote allopatric speciation?

• A. The flooding of a valley that splits one population into two that inhabit different sides of the valley.
• B. The migration of a segment of a population to a new location, and the failure of the migrants to resume contact with the original population.
• C. An error in cell division that generates diploid gametes.
• D. Only A and B above would promote allopatric speciation.

Answer 1

The correct option is D Only A and B above would promote allopatric speciation.

Allopatric speciation refers to the appearance of new species from an already existing species either due to the geographical isolation or due to social changes like migration. Geographical isolation occurring due to flooding, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions split the existing population of a species due to which they gradually develop into different species. The migration of a few individuals from the given population to a new habitat make them undergo changes if they cannot contact the individuals left behind.

Hence, the correct answer is 'Only (A) and (B) above would promote allopatric speciation'