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:

Anatomical isolation is a form of reproductive isolation. When a population is anatomically isolated, gene flow with the rest of the species stops. Over time, due to natural selection, genetic drift, and mutations, the isolated population will accumulate enough genetic differences to become a separate species (speciation). The first option is incorrect as one isolated population doesn't cause the entire species to go extinct. The third is wrong because anatomical isolation prevents breeding with others, including different species in most cases. The fourth is incorrect as isolation stops viable offspring production across the entire species.

Answer:

The population will become a separate species over time.