A large population of animals is split in two by a physical barrier. Over time, the genetic make up of the two resulting populations becomes more and more different, until each population becomes a separate species. This is an example of

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Allopatric speciation occurs when a physical barrier separates a population, preventing gene flow between them. Over time, random mutations and different selective pressures can lead to genetic divergence, ultimately resulting in the formation of two separate species. Sympatric speciation occurs without a physical barrier, through factors such as disruptive selection or chromosomal changes, but is not applicable in this scenario. Genetic drift refers to random fluctuations in gene frequencies within a population, while reproductive isolation is a consequence of speciation, not the cause.

A Large Population of Animals Is Split in Two by a Physical