Question

question 8 of 10
why would a rough, steep mountain habitat have a higher rate of speciation than a large, open grasslands habitat?
a. the mountain has more resources.
b. the mountain would cause less fragmentation.
c. the mountain has easier dispersal.
d. the mountain would prevent organisms from interacting.

Explanation:

Speciation occurs when populations of a species become reproductively isolated. In a rough, steep mountain habitat, physical barriers (like slopes, cliffs) can prevent organisms from interacting. This isolation can lead to genetic divergence over time, increasing the rate of speciation. Grasslands, being open, allow more interaction among organisms, reducing isolation - a key factor in speciation.

• Option A: There's no indication mountains have more resources.
• Option B: Mountains cause more fragmentation (dividing habitats), not less.
• Option C: Mountains make dispersal harder, not easier.

Answer:

D. The mountain would prevent organisms from interacting.