What term describes the evolution of a new species when similar populations can no longer interbreed?

What term describes the evolution of a new species when similar populations can no longer interbreed?

• A. Speciation
• B. Adaptation
• C. Divergent Evolution
• D. Geographic Isolation

Answer: (A)

Speciation refers specifically to the process by which new and distinct species evolve from a common ancestor. This typically occurs when populations of a species become isolated from each other, leading to genetic divergence. When similar populations can no longer interbreed, they can accumulate mutations and adaptations unique to their environments. Over time, these changes can result in the populations becoming so different that they are no longer capable of interbreeding even if they come back into contact, effectively forming new species. While terms like adaptation, divergent evolution, and geographic isolation are related concepts within evolutionary biology, they do not fully capture the specific process of forming a new species as speciation does. Adaptation focuses on how organisms change to better fit their environment; divergent evolution looks at how related species evolve different traits; and geographic isolation describes the physical separation that can lead to speciation but is not the process of speciation itself. Thus, speciation is the most accurate term to describe the evolution of new species from populations that can no longer interbreed.

Speciation refers specifically to the process by which new and distinct species evolve from a common ancestor. This typically occurs when populations of a species become isolated from each other, leading to genetic divergence. When similar populations can no longer interbreed, they can accumulate mutations and adaptations unique to their environments. Over time, these changes can result in the populations becoming so different that they are no longer capable of interbreeding even if they come back into contact, effectively forming new species.

While terms like adaptation, divergent evolution, and geographic isolation are related concepts within evolutionary biology, they do not fully capture the specific process of forming a new species as speciation does. Adaptation focuses on how organisms change to better fit their environment; divergent evolution looks at how related species evolve different traits; and geographic isolation describes the physical separation that can lead to speciation but is not the process of speciation itself. Thus, speciation is the most accurate term to describe the evolution of new species from populations that can no longer interbreed.