Uplift and formation of a mountain range divide a freshwater snail species into two isolated populations. Erosion eventually lowers the mountain range and brings the two populations together again, but when they mate, the resulting hybrids all produce sterile young. This scenario is an example of
A) sympatric speciation.
B) allopatric speciation.
C) incomplete speciation.
D) diversifying speciation.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This scenario describes the process of allopatric speciation, where a geographical barrier (mountain range) divides a species into two isolated populations, leading to genetic divergence and the development of reproductive isolation. When the populations come back into contact, they are unable to reproduce and produce viable offspring, indicating the formation of separate species.

Uplift and Formation of a Mountain Range Divide a Freshwater