Which of the following could be a vicariance event for species in that habitat?
A) Nonnative rats are introduced to an island by human explorers.
B) Radiation near Chernobyl increases mutation rate, causing an increase in autopolypolidy.
C) Some insects get blown in a storm to a new mountain range, where they lay eggs.
D) The level of water in a lake recedes, creating two lakes where there used to be one.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The splitting of a lake into two separate bodies of water due to changing environmental conditions, in this case a receding water level, is an example of a vicariance event that could lead to speciation. This physical separation of populations can result in divergent evolution and the formation of distinct species over time. The other choices do not involve physical separation of populations and therefore would not be considered vicariance events.

Which of the Following Could Be a Vicariance Event for Species