Question

which is most likely to happen to a population that becomes anatomically isolated from the rest of its species?
the entire species will become extinct.
the population will become a separate species over time.
the population will breed with a different species nearby.
the entire species will continue to have viable offspring together.

Explanation:

When a population is anatomically isolated (a form of reproductive isolation), over time, genetic differences accumulate due to lack of gene - flow with the original population. According to the biological species concept, if two populations cannot interbreed (which can happen due to anatomical differences preventing mating) and have significant genetic divergence, they become separate species.

• The entire species becoming extinct is not a direct consequence of one population's isolation.
• Breeding with a different species is not likely as species have reproductive barriers (and the question is about isolation from its own species).
• If the population is isolated, it won't have viable offspring with the original population (due to genetic divergence over time).

Answer:

The population will become a separate species over time.