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Two species of antelope ground squirrels are separated by the Grand Canyon. They are hypothesized to have descended from a common ancestor population that was divided when the Grand Canyon formed. If this hypothesis is correct, it would be an example of:A) allopatric speciation by dispersal

B) allopatric speciation by vicariance
C) sympatric speciation by vicariance
D) sympatric speciation by dispersal

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B) Allopatric speciation by Vicariance.

Step-by-step explanation:

  • Speciation is the process by which new species arise from an existing species.
  • Speciation are broadly classified as; Allopatric speciation, sympatrc speciation speciation and parapatric speciation.
  • Allopatric speciation occurs when groups of individual of a given population is separated by a geographical barrier like mountain, river etc.
  • Parapatric speciation occurs when group of individuals of same species occupy different niches in the same habitat that result in occurrence of new traits.
  • Sympatric speciation occur when individual of a population do not recognize each other as potential mates.

  • In the given situation, the antelope ground squirrel were separated by the Grand Canyon which is geographical barrier.
  • Again the population was divided by the formation of Grand Canyon and not because the populations migrated to a diverent locations.
  • So this example is of Allopatric Speciation by vicariance.
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