After reading the paragraph below, answer the questions that follow.
In the North Pacific Ocean, two groups of the same species of killer whales (Orcinus orca) appear to be forming two different species based on what they eat. One group eats fish and the other eats mammals such as seals. Scientists can tell what they eat based on their teeth, because whales that feed on fish have significantly different wear patterns.
-Which of the following describes the type of speciation event that is occurring in these whales?
A)sympatric speciation
B)allopatric speciation
C)geographic speciation
D)polyploid speciation

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The presence of two groups of the same species forming two different species based on what they eat suggests that sympatric speciation is occurring. This is because the two groups are still living in the same geographic area (North Pacific Ocean), but are evolving differently based on their dietary preferences. Allopatric speciation would involve a physical separation of populations, geographic speciation is not a recognized type of speciation, and polyploid speciation is a type of speciation that occurs in plants, not animals.

After Reading the Paragraph Below, Answer the Questions That Follow