Question

genetic data suggest many frog species that live in madagascar and india share a common ancestor that lived on the india-madagascar landmass. map of india-madagascar landmass 100 million years ago 60 million years ago which statement best describes the divergence of frog species found in india and madagascar? breeding preferences of the frogs prevented interbreeding between frogs, resulting in new species. geographic separation led to divergence in the gene pool, resulting in a new species in each location. the frog species occupied different habitats within the same geographic areas, resulting in new species. different mating seasons led to the divergence of the gene pool, resulting in a new species at each location

Explanation:

The maps show that India and Madagascar were once part of the same landmass (100 million years ago) but became geographically separated (by 60 million years ago). In evolutionary biology, geographic separation (allopatric speciation) can lead to different selective pressures, genetic drift, and lack of gene flow between populations. Over time, these factors cause divergence in the gene pool of the frog populations in each separated location (India and Madagascar), eventually resulting in new species.

• The first option about breeding preferences is not indicated by the map data which focuses on geographic change.
• The third option about same - geographic areas is incorrect as the maps show separation.
• The fourth option about mating seasons is not supported by the given (map - based) information which emphasizes geography.

Answer:

Geographic separation led to divergence in the gene pool, resulting in a new species in each location.