Members of the ancestral salamander species live in northern California.As they migrate southward,populations are separated by the Central Valley.With limited contact between populations on the east and west of the valley,genetic differences accumulate.What type of speciation occurs under these conditions?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Under these conditions, allopatric speciation occurs as populations are separated by a physical barrier (Central Valley) and genetic differences accumulate due to limited contact. Sympatric speciation occurs when populations remain in the same geographical region but become reproductively isolated, which is not the case here. Therefore, option A is incorrect, and option C is not applicable. Option D is also incorrect.

Members of the Ancestral Salamander Species Live in Northern California