Question

A population of cathsh has beenseparaled for many generations due to a drought, which separated a lake into two smaller bodies of water. Which of the following would most likelv causthis population of catfish to become two distinct species of catfish over 10 generationsA.The two groups of catfish are mutated by agricultural pollution.B.The two bodies of water have different resources or environmental pressures.C.One group of fish reproduces at a faster rate than the other group.D.A bridge connecting the two bodies of water forms.

Answer 1

Let's define what is happening in the senario given:

The catfish population is experiencing what is called allopatric speciation, where a portion of the population becomes isolated by geographical regions.

If this is happening, then the 2 smaller bodies of water will grow differently over time. They will have different resources and different biotic and abiotic factors that will drive the 2 populations of catfish on a divergent evolution.

Therefore, our best answer choice that matches this is answer choce B.