Question

Allopatric speciation is a mechanism that produces new species when:

a. A physical barrier emerges separating the populations.
b. Two species have a contact zone where hybrids can be produced.
c. Ecological changes in the environment drive population to diverge.
d. Few individuals colonize a new area.

Answer 1

Allopatric speciation occurs when there is geographic separation of populations from a parent species and subsequent evolution, resulting in the formation of a new species.

Step-by-step explanation:

Allopatric speciation is a mechanism that produces new species when there is geographic separation of populations from a parent species and subsequent evolution. This occurs when some members of a species become geographically isolated from the rest of the species. If they remain separated long enough and evolve genetic differences that prevent interbreeding with the original species, a new species has evolved.