Multiple Choice
According to the experiment of Diane Dodd, can adaptive divergence of allopatric fruit fly populations lead to reproductive isolation?
23. Speciation
Introduction to Speciation
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The Galápagos finches collected by Darwin are thought to have descended from a very small parent population. Different species of finches that are confined to only one or two islands most likely arose by __________.
A
sympatric speciation
B
gene flow
C
polyploidy
D
hybridization
E
allopatric speciation
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of allopatric speciation: It occurs when a population is divided by a geographical barrier, leading to the formation of new species due to the isolation and different environmental pressures.
Consider the geographical context of the Galápagos Islands: Each island can act as a geographical barrier, isolating finch populations from one another.
Recognize that isolation prevents gene flow between populations: This lack of gene flow allows populations to evolve independently.
Identify the role of natural selection and genetic drift: These mechanisms can lead to differences in traits that are advantageous in the specific environments of each island.
Conclude that the finches likely underwent allopatric speciation: The isolation on different islands and the unique environmental conditions led to the development of distinct species.
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