Question

a population of deer is separated by an emerging volcano. the two populations come back into contact 200 years later, but are incapable of breeding. which of the following best describes the process that occurred?
○ adaptation
○ speciation
○ convergent selection
○ stabilizing selection
done ✔

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Adaptation: Refers to traits that help an organism survive in its environment, not about new species formation. Eliminate.
• Speciation: The process by which new species form. When the deer populations were separated, they evolved independently, and after 200 years, they couldn't breed (a sign of different species), so this fits.
• Convergent Selection (Convergent Evolution): Involves unrelated species developing similar traits, not applicable here. Eliminate.
• Stabilizing Selection: A type of natural selection that favors average traits, not about species formation. Eliminate.

Answer:

B. speciation