Question

14 multiple choice 1 point why does speciation increase biodiversity? it reduces the number of species it limits reproduction between populations it stabilizes population size it creates new species through genetic divergence

Explanation:

Speciation is the process of forming new species. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms. When new species are created (through genetic divergence in speciation), the overall number of species in an ecosystem or on Earth increases. Let's analyze each option:

• "It reduces the number of species": This is the opposite of what speciation does. Speciation adds to the species count, not reduces it.
• "It limits reproduction between populations": While reproductive isolation (a part of speciation mechanisms in some cases) can lead to speciation, the key outcome of speciation for biodiversity is new species, not just limiting reproduction.
• "It stabilizes population size": Speciation is about species - level changes (new species) and not directly about population size stabilization. Population size can be affected by many factors like predation, resource availability etc., but that's not the core of how speciation impacts biodiversity.
• "It creates new species through genetic divergence": This is the essence of speciation. As new species are formed, the biodiversity (which is a measure of species variety) increases.

Answer:

It creates new species through genetic divergence.