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:

When a population is anatomically isolated (a form of reproductive isolation), over time, genetic differences accumulate due to lack of gene - flow. According to the biological species concept, if two groups can no longer interbreed (which can happen due to anatomical isolation preventing mating), they become separate species.

• The first option “The entire species will become extinct” is unlikely as only a part (the isolated population) is affected initially.
• The third option “The population will breed with a different species nearby” is against the concept of species (species are reproductively isolated from other species in general).
• The fourth option “The entire species will continue to have viable offspring together” is incorrect because the isolated population will not interbreed with the non - isolated part.

Answer:

The population will become a separate species over time.