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Consider a hypothetical animal species, Species X, that can neither fly nor swim - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 34 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 34
Consider a hypothetical animal species, Species X, that can neither fly nor swim. Separate populations of Species X live in the same geographical area and often inte... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Consider a hypothetical animal species, Species X, that can neither fly nor swim - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 34 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
The barrier(s) that could have led to the formation of Species Z by sympatric speciation is:
Answer
To identify the barriers that could contribute to sympatric speciation, we must analyze each barrier:
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Barrier 1: A newly formed river is a physical barrier, leading to allopatric speciation rather than sympatric.
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Barrier 2: The development of a new mating ritual indicates behavioral isolation, which is a form of sympatric speciation as it prevents interbreeding within the same geographical area.
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Barrier 3: Breeding at different times can also lead to reproductive isolation, contributing to sympatric speciation.
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Barrier 4: Similar to barrier 1, a volcanic eruption creating a mountain is a physical barrier and promotes allopatric speciation.
Thus, the barriers leading to sympatric speciation are either barrier 2 or barrier 3. Consequently, the correct answer is B.