Given what we know about evolutionary biology, we expect to find the largest number of endemic species in which of the following geological features, which have existed for at least a few million years?
A) an isolated ocean island in the tropics
B) an extensive mountain range
C) a grassland in the center of a large continent, with extreme climatic conditions
D) a shallow estuary on a warm-water coast

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Isolated oceanic islands tend to have high levels of endemism because the species on them are often isolated from other populations and are subject to unique selective pressures, leading to speciation. This process is known as adaptive radiation. Additionally, island isolation prevents many species from colonizing the island, further promoting endemism.

Given What We Know About Evolutionary Biology, We Expect to Find