Question

Which of the following is the first step in allopatric speciation?

Hint: Allopatric speciation occurs when a population of organisms is geographically separated long enough for significant changes to occur. After a period of time, the populations may no longer be able to interbreed.

a. formation of a reproductive barrier
b. genetic drift
c. hybridization
d. polyploidy
e. geographic isolation

Answer 1

Geographic isolation is the first step in allopatric speciation, where populations of the same species are separated, halting gene flow and allowing for genetic changes that may result in speciation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first step in allopatric speciation is e. geographic isolation. Allopatric speciation occurs when populations from the same species are separated geographically. Examples of geographic isolation include a river forming a new branch, erosion forming a new valley, or organisms such as seeds traveling to an area from which they cannot return. This separation prevents gene flow between the isolated groups, which is a precursor for the development of genetic differences that may lead to speciation.