House finches were found only in western North America until 1939, when a few individuals were released in New York City. These individuals established a breeding population and gradually expanded their range. The western population also expanded its range somewhat eastward, and the two populations have recently come in contact. If the two forms were unable to interbreed when their expanding ranges met, it would be an example of ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Allopatric speciation occurs when populations of a species are geographically separated, leading to reproductive isolation and the evolution of two distinct species. The scenario describes two populations of house finches that were separated (one in western North America and one introduced to New York City), which then evolved independently. If they were unable to interbreed upon meeting, it would indicate that they had become distinct species through allopatric speciation.

House Finches Were Found Only in Western North America Until