Question

The accompanying figure most closely represents speciation by ________.

1) natural selection

2) reinforcement

3) hybridization

4) polyploidy

Answer 1

The figure depicts speciation by reinforcement, where less fit hybrid offspring result in the strengthening of reproductive barriers and increased divergence between the species.

Step-by-step explanation:

The figure most closely represents speciation by reinforcement. This process occurs when two closely related species continue to produce hybrids that are less fit than the parent species. The low fitness of hybrid offspring leads to a strengthening of reproductive barriers and further divergence between the species.

In hybrid zones, three different pathways that species evolution may take include:

1. Stability, where the species remain separate but continue to produce some hybrid individuals without significant changes in their genetic makeup.
2. Fusion, where the hybrid offspring are as fit or more fit than the parents, possibly leading to the species fusing back into one.
3. Reinforcement, where hybrids are less fit, reinforcing divergence between the species.