Two closely related beetles are in the same location.They exhibit reproductive isolation, and they are both diploid.Biologists are arguing about which is more likely, that they evolved via sympatric or allopatric speciation.Which statement presents the best argument for what is occurring?
A) Sympatric speciation is more parsimonious (and thus most likely) because allopatric speciation would require the populations being separated by a barrier, evolving genetic differentiation, and then coming back together.
B) Allopatric speciation is more parsimonious (and thus most likely) because sympatric speciation would require the populations being separated by a barrier, evolving genetic differentiation, and then coming back together.
C) Sympatric speciation is more parsimonious (and thus most likely) because allopatric speciation would require the populations evolving genetic differentiation despite gene flow.
D) Allopatric speciation is the only plausible means of speciation except in the case of polyploidy.
E) Sympatric speciation is the only plausible means of speciation except in the case of polyploidy.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sympatric speciation is more likely in this scenario because it does not require physical separation by a geographic barrier. Instead, it suggests that speciation can occur while populations share the same geographic area, which aligns with the given situation of two closely related beetles in the same location exhibiting reproductive isolation.

Two Closely Related Beetles Are in the Same Location