Question

A flowering shrub is introduced to North America as an ornamental plant.Beetles that normally feed on a different North American plant species begin tolive and feed on the introduced shrub. Their appearance and seasonal schedulebegin to shift as they adapt to feeding on the new plant host. Gradually thebeetles on the introduced shrub form a distinct species that does not breed withthe original source population of beetles. This is an example of ___________.

A.genetic drift
B.sympatric speciation
C.allopatric speciation

Answer 1

Answer: B.sympatric speciation

Step-by-step explanation:

Sympatric speciation is defined as the development of new species from a living ancestral species as both require to survive in the same geographic area.

Sympatric speciation in a population occurs when the same habitat is shared by a species but they become isolated from each other reproductively. Polyploidy is the common cause of sympatric speciation, where an offspring or group of offspring with twice the usual number of chromosomes will be produced.

Beetles shows Sympatric speciation against the new shrubs and evolved themselves according to the new habitat provided and formed a new species via reproduction.

Hence, the correct option is B.