Question

Spotted owls exist in multiple variations. Two species are shown in the image above. What answer below BEST DESCRIBES the cause & effect of the two different species?

Question 1 options:

The common ancestors of these owls were geographically isolated, and over time the allele frequencies changed so much they are no longer able to interbreed.


The common ancestors of these owls were geographically isolated, but can still interbreed, as the allele frequencies have likely not changed much.


The common ancestors of these owls were temporally isolated, and over time the allele frequencies changed so much they are no longer able to interbreed.


The common ancestors of these owls were temporally isolated, but can still interbreed, as the allele frequencies have likely not changed much.

Answer 1

C. The common ancestors of these owls were geographically isolated, and over time the allele frequencies changed so much they are no longer able to interbreed.

Step-by-step explanation:

This is an example of allopatric speciation. Allopatric speciation, also called geographical speciation, involves the development of a new species when the ancestral population becomes separated by geographical barriers such as a river or a mountain range. This could also take place when the ancestors of the two species emigrate to another area.

In different geographic locations, the separated ancestors undergo gradual evolutionary changes, ultimately, the the two species become so genetically diverse that they cannot interbreed.