Question

SCENARIO:

A species of rabbits lives on both sides of a small stream. They can move across the stream by jumping or wading but they cannot swim. A flood caused the stream to widen into a permanent river. The rabbits become 2 groups, one on each side of the river. Being unable to swim, they could not cross the river. After many years, the climate changed so that on the northern side of the river the temperatures were consistently lower than on the southern side of the river.
1. What will happen to the members on each side of the river with unfavorable traits for their climate?
2. What event isolated the rabbits?
3. If the river and climate conditions remain the same as described above, what will happen to the original species of rabbit?
4. Why?
5. What type of isolation is represented in this scenario?
6. Could a new species form? Why?
{i need to answer all the questions help}

Answer 1

Hello!

Let's start:

1. The members on each side of the river with unfavorable traits for their climate will pass away, manage to produce offspring with favorable traits, or try their best to adapt.

2. A flood isolated the rabbits.

3. If the river and climate conditions remain the same as described above, the original species of rabbit will produce offspring that have favorable traits and eventually most of the rabbits will have those traits.

4. Genetic variation allows different genes to form, and since natural selection is the survival of the fittest, those that were born with favorable traits will survive and reproduce.

5. Geographic isolation.

6. A new species could form because there is no guarantee that the rabbits have the traits necessary to survive. If one with them reproduces, then there's a chance that a new species will be created eventually.

I hope I helped! Feel free to message me or leave a comment below if you need me to explain anything.