A population of earthworms lives on an island in the middle of a river. Damming of the river causes flooding on the island, and only the highest points remain above water, creating several smaller islands with
Now- separate earthworm populations on them. The earthworms cannot swim. Which of the following best describes this event?
A) The earthworms have undergone speciation by sympatry.
B) The earthworm populations will still have gene flow between them.
C) The earthworm populations have been isolated by vicariance.
D) The earthworms have undergone speciation by allopatry.
E) The earthworm populations have been isolated by dispersal.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The earthworm populations have been isolated by vicariance, as the flooding event physically separated the populations without them moving to new locations.

A Population of Earthworms Lives on an Island in the Middle