Question

URGENT!

Scientists discover two populations of mice on either side of a
major river. The two populations have almost identical genes, but
the mice from one side cannot breed with the mice from the other.
This is most likely because
Select one:

O both species of mice lived on both sides but owls killed one population on each side.

O the river separated one species of mice into two different species.

O the similar habitat caused two species to become genetically
similar

O two different species of mice migrated to the river from different
directions

Answer 1

The river separated one species of mice into two different species.

Step-by-step explanation:

A physical barrier, like a river, divides a population of a species into two different populations, which is a scenario that is most likely an example of allopatric speciation. The two populations may eventually diverge genetically, ecologically, or behaviorally, and they may also stop being able to reproduce with one another and give birth to healthy offspring. The two populations split into two distinct species as a result of their seclusion.

It's important to note that while two species' shared environment led to their genetic similarity, the fundamental cause of their speciation is the physical barrier that divides them.