In: Biology
Which of the following describes allopatric speciation?
Multiple Choice
A single population suddenly divides into two reproductively isolated groups without being geographically isolated.
A geographic separation occurs between subpopulations leading to reproductive isolation.
Gene flow between subpopulations minimizes differences in their gene pools.
Subpopulations that are geographically isolated but still able to interbreed.
Wide phenotypic differences that appear between subpopulations due to variation in their environments.
Allopatric speciation is also called as geographical speciation where the organisms of same species are isolated due to geographical barrier due to which they become separate species.
The 2nd option 'A geographic separation occurs between subpopulations leading to reproductive isolation' correctly describes allopatric speciation.
The other given options are:-
1)A single population suddenly divides into two reproductively isolated groups without being geographically isolated.
It is not true as allopatric speciation occurs only when geographical isolation of species takes place.
This sentence describes Sympatric speciation which is a rare type of speciation that takes place mostly in plants compared to animals.
3)Gene flow between subpopulations minimizes differences in their gene pools.
This statement is incorrect as the gene pools in allopatric speciation undergo maximum differences.
4) Subpopulations that are geographically isolated but still able to interbreed.
In allopatric speciation, the subpopulations do not interbreed. They are not in contact with each other and completely different species are formed. Thus this option is not correct.
This describes Parapatric speciation that is extremely rare.
5) Wide phenotypic differences that appear between subpopulations due to variation in their environments.
The subpopulations in allopatric speciation have similar phenotypical characteristics but wide differences occur in genotypic characteristics.hence the given statement is not true.