Allopatric speciation occurs due to geographic isolation, while sympatric speciation occurs without geographic barriers.
Verified step by step guidance
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Understand the concept of speciation: Speciation is the evolutionary process by which populations evolve to become distinct species.
Define allopatric speciation: Allopatric speciation occurs when a population is divided by a geographic barrier, leading to genetic divergence and the formation of new species.
Define sympatric speciation: Sympatric speciation occurs within a single geographic area, often through mechanisms like polyploidy, habitat differentiation, or sexual selection, without physical separation.
Compare the two types: The key difference is that allopatric speciation involves geographic isolation, while sympatric speciation does not.
Apply the definitions to the options: Evaluate each option based on the definitions and identify that the correct description is that allopatric speciation occurs due to geographic isolation, while sympatric speciation occurs without geographic barriers.