Biogeographers are studying two similar tree species to determine what processes led to the formation of these species.They might conclude that speciation began due to the process of vicariance if
A) the two species formed after the last Ice Age.
B) the two species are currently on the same continent.
C) continental drift separated two original populations.
D) free dispersal occurred among the original populations.
E) the two species show more than 90 percent similarity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Vicariance refers to the splitting of a single population into two or more geographically separated populations due to a physical barrier such as a mountain range, river or continental drift. Therefore, if the two similar tree species were originally part of the same population and were separated due to continental drift, the vicariance process led to the formation of these species. The other answer choices are not relevant to the vicariance process.

Biogeographers Are Studying Two Similar Tree Species to Determine What