Darwin's finches are thought to have evolved as a result of allopatric speciation.This is mainly based on the observation that
A) environmental conditions are similar on each island.
B) the islands are far enough apart that movement between islands was limited.
C) the 14 finch species are very similar to their closest mainland relatives.
D) the finch species are very similar to one another.
E) the islands have similar vegetation and elevation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Allopatric speciation occurs when populations become geographically isolated from one another, making gene flow between them unlikely. In the case of Darwin's finches, the islands they inhabit are far enough apart that movement between islands was limited, resulting in genetic divergence and speciation. This is supported by studies that have shown genetic differences between populations on different islands, as well as differences in beak size and shape that are adapted to different food sources available on each island. The other choices are not as relevant to the process of allopatric speciation in this case.

Darwin's Finches Are Thought to Have Evolved as a Result