QuestionApril 20, 2025

A student argues that being separated geographically is the only way for speciation to occur. Why is he wrong? Speciation does not usually rely on geographic isolation. Speciation can occur from biological forces as well. Speciation can occur from variation as well. Speciation does not result from adaptive radiation.

A student argues that being separated geographically is the only way for speciation to occur. Why is he wrong? Speciation does not usually rely on geographic isolation. Speciation can occur from biological forces as well. Speciation can occur from variation as well. Speciation does not result from adaptive radiation.
A student argues that being separated geographically is the only way for speciation to occur. Why is he wrong? Speciation does not usually rely on geographic isolation. Speciation can occur from biological forces as well. Speciation can occur from variation as well. Speciation does not result from adaptive radiation.

Solution
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Answer

Speciation can occur from biological forces as well, and speciation can occur from variation as well. Explanation The student's argument is flawed because speciation can occur through several mechanisms, not just geographic isolation. While allopatric speciation involves geographic separation, sympatric speciation can occur within the same geographic area through biological factors such as reproductive isolation due to mutations, polyploidy, or behavioral changes. Additionally, genetic variation can lead to speciation as different traits can become dominant within subgroups of a population, eventually resulting in reproductive isolation. The concept of adaptive radiation refers to the diversification of a species into different ecological niches, which is a result—but not a cause—of speciation.

Explanation

The student's argument is flawed because speciation can occur through several mechanisms, not just geographic isolation. While allopatric speciation involves geographic separation, sympatric speciation can occur within the same geographic area through biological factors such as reproductive isolation due to mutations, polyploidy, or behavioral changes. Additionally, genetic variation can lead to speciation as different traits can become dominant within subgroups of a population, eventually resulting in reproductive isolation. The concept of adaptive radiation refers to the diversification of a species into different ecological niches, which is a result—but not a cause—of speciation.<br /><br />
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