Question

which of the following describes what will most likely happen to a population of spiders whose range is fragmented by a large lava flow, resulting in multiple, isolated spider populations? choose 1 answer: a the spider populations will go extinct because of the destructive change to their environment. b over time, the spider populations will evolve into distinct species as they adapt to differences in their environments. c the spider populations will continue to interbreed as they adapt to their new environmental conditions.

Explanation:

• Option A: Saying all will go extinct is too extreme. Isolated populations can adapt, not necessarily go extinct.
• Option B: When a population is fragmented (geographic isolation), different environments lead to different selection pressures. Over time, genetic differences accumulate, and populations can evolve into distinct species (speciation).
• Option C: Isolated populations can't interbreed freely. Geographic isolation prevents gene flow, so interbreeding is unlikely.

Answer:

B. Over time, the spider populations will evolve into distinct species as they adapt to differences in their environments.