Two populations that have been separated by a river are most likely to become separate species if
A) fur color is different in the two populations.
B) genes controlling ear development become different so that members of one population have much longer ears than the other.
C) genes controlling molecules on the surface of the sperm that bind with egg receptors are different in the two populations.
D) feeding habits are different in the two populations.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Differences in genes controlling molecules on the surface of sperm that bind with egg receptors would affect reproductive compatibility between the two populations and increase the likelihood of reproductive isolation, ultimately leading to the development of separate species. Differences in fur color or feeding habits may be adaptive, but they are not likely to be the primary factors driving speciation. Differences in ear development may be a trait that distinguishes the two populations, but it is not necessarily related to reproductive isolation.

Two Populations That Have Been Separated by a River Are