Question

1. which of the following is an example of allopatric (geographic) speciation?

● a. two populations of birds develop different mating calls while living in the same forest
● b. a population of fish evolves reproductive isolation due to behavioral differences
● c. a mountain range forms, spliting a population of lizards into two isolated groups
● d. a mutation causes a plant to produce flowers that attract different pollinators

Explanation:

Allopatric (geographic) speciation occurs when a population is divided by a physical barrier (like a mountain range), leading to reproductive isolation. Option b describes a population of lizards being split into two isolated groups by a mountain range, which fits the concept of allopatric speciation. Option a is sympatric speciation (same area, reproductive isolation due to behavior). Option c is about plant reproduction and not speciation. Option d is about population equilibrium concept.

Answer:

b. A population of lizards is split into two isolated groups by a mountain range.