The parasitic Rhagoletis flies show such a preference for either hawthorn or apple trees that they are no longer interbreeding populations. What type of speciation does this scenario illustrate?
A) The founder effect
B) Specialization
C) Sympatric
D) Allopatric
E) Polyploidy

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sympatric speciation occurs when new species evolve from a single ancestral species while inhabiting the same geographic region. In this case, the Rhagoletis flies have developed a preference for different host plants (hawthorn or apple trees) without geographical separation, leading to reproductive isolation and speciation while still living in the same area.

The Parasitic Rhagoletis Flies Show Such a Preference for Either