Sexual dimorphism may be associated with a higher rate of speciation in some organisms because
A) animals do not make sophisticated discriminations among potential mating partners.
B) individuals make subtle discriminations among members of their own species on the basis of size, shape, appearance, and behavior.
C) mating success is relatively evenly distributed among individuals.
D) mating behaviors can lead to postzygotic reproductive barriers in certain populations.
E) asexual organisms do not mate and cannot undergo speciation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sexual dimorphism, or differences in size, shape, appearance, or behavior between males and females of a species, can lead to individuals making subtle discriminations among members of their own species. This can lead to the formation of subpopulations with different traits, which may eventually become distinct species through divergent evolution. Therefore, sexual dimorphism may be associated with a higher rate of speciation in some organisms.

Sexual Dimorphism May Be Associated with a Higher Rate of Speciation