Question

As the Colorado River carved the Grand Canyon, the land was split and the sides of the canyon grew farther apart. The population of Abert's squirrels in the area was separated by the widening canyon. Over time, scientists noted differences in the two separate populations, including the color of their fur, their size, and their foraging and feeding behaviors. What will happen to the groups of squirrels if they remain separated? How does this relate to genetic variation?

Answer 1

The canyon became a geographic barrier separating the forests and squirrels on each rim. One population of squirrels had become two separate populations that could no longer reproduce. According to National Geographic, this type of speciation is allopatric speciation.

Answer 2

The canyon became a geographic barrier separating the forests and squirrels on each rim. One population had become two separate populations that could no longer reproduce. According to National Geographic, this type of speciation is all opatric speciation.