Which condition must be met for populations to undergo speciation?
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Correct answer: Reproductive isolation that prevents interbreeding
Speciation requires reproductive isolation, so that gene flow is limited or absent — allowing genetic divergence and formation of distinct species.
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More Evolution and speciation questions
- What is the most common mode of speciation observed in nature, especially when populations are geographically separated?
- In allopatric speciation, which force tends to contribute most to genetic divergence between the geographically separated populations?
- 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?