In allopatric speciation, which force tends to contribute most to genetic divergence between the geographically separated populations?
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Correct answer: Genetic drift together with natural selection
Once gene flow is blocked by geographic separation, genetic drift and natural selection act independently in each isolated population, promoting divergence in allele frequencies and phenotypes over time.
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More Evolution and speciation questions
- Which scenario best illustrates peripatric speciation?
- Which type of speciation can occur even when populations inhabit the same geographic area (i.e., without physical separation)?
- Which factor can facilitate sympatric speciation in plants more readily than in animals?
- What is adaptive radiation?
- Which phenomenon can lead to loss of genetic variation and increase the probability of fixation of deleterious alleles in small populations?
- Which outcome is LEAST likely if two populations remain in contact and continue exchanging migrants (gene flow)?