Question

question 35
1 pts
how does geographic isolation lead to speciation?
geographic isolation does not lead to speciation.
populations that are geographically isolated develop reproductive barriers.
the habitats for geographically isolated species are always different and this leads to morphological differences.
geographic isolation allows mechanisms of evolution to cause genetic divergence.

Explanation:

Geographic isolation separates populations. Over time, evolutionary mechanisms like mutation, natural selection, and genetic drift act independently on these isolated populations, causing genetic divergence. When genetic differences become significant enough, it can lead to speciation. Reproductive barriers may develop as a result of this genetic divergence, but the key initial step is the genetic divergence enabled by isolation. Habitat - difference - induced morphological differences are not the primary way geographic isolation leads to speciation. And it is known that geographic isolation can lead to speciation.

Answer:

D. Geographic isolation allows mechanisms of evolution to cause genetic divergence.