Question

What is the main difference between dispersal and vicariance?

a) Dispersal involves the movement of individuals, while vicariance involves the separation of a population by a physical barrier.
b) Dispersal and vicariance are synonymous terms.
c) Dispersal involves the separation of a population, while vicariance involves the movement of individuals.
d) There is no difference between dispersal and vicariance.

Answer 1

Dispersal involves the movement of individuals to new areas, while vicariance is the result of a physical barrier dividing a population.

Step-by-step explanation:

Dispersal and vicariance are two categories of allopatric processes. Dispersal involves the movement of a few individuals of a species to a new geographical area. Vicariance occurs when a natural event creates a physical barrier that separates organisms of the same species. For example, a river forming a new branch can cause dispersal, while erosion creating a new valley can cause vicariance.