What is the end result of geographic isolation?

What is the end result of geographic isolation?

• A. Increased genetic variation
• B. Reproductive Isolation
• C. Natural Selection
• D. Speciation

Answer: (D)

Geographic isolation occurs when populations of a species are separated by physical barriers, such as mountains, rivers, or distance. This separation prevents the populations from interbreeding, which significantly influences their evolutionary paths. Over time, the isolated populations may experience different environmental pressures and mutations, leading to different adaptations. As these populations evolve independently, they may become increasingly distinct in terms of genetic characteristics and traits. When enough genetic changes accumulate, the populations can diverge to the point where they can no longer interbreed successfully, even if they come back into contact. This process is known as speciation, which is the formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution. While increased genetic variation, reproductive isolation, and natural selection are processes that can occur as a result of or alongside geographic isolation, the ultimate outcome when this isolation persists over time is the emergence of new species, which is correctly identified as speciation.

Geographic isolation occurs when populations of a species are separated by physical barriers, such as mountains, rivers, or distance. This separation prevents the populations from interbreeding, which significantly influences their evolutionary paths. Over time, the isolated populations may experience different environmental pressures and mutations, leading to different adaptations.

As these populations evolve independently, they may become increasingly distinct in terms of genetic characteristics and traits. When enough genetic changes accumulate, the populations can diverge to the point where they can no longer interbreed successfully, even if they come back into contact. This process is known as speciation, which is the formation of new and distinct species in the course of evolution.

While increased genetic variation, reproductive isolation, and natural selection are processes that can occur as a result of or alongside geographic isolation, the ultimate outcome when this isolation persists over time is the emergence of new species, which is correctly identified as speciation.