Two Closely Related Beetles Are in the Same Location

question 193

Multiple Choice

Two closely related beetles are in the same location.They exhibit reproductive isolation, and they are both diploid.Biologists are arguing about which is more likely, that they evolved via sympatric or allopatric speciation.What statement presents the best argument?

• A) Allopatric speciation is more parsimonious (and thus most likely) because sympatric speciation would require the populations evolving genetic differentiation despite gene flow.
• B) Allopatric speciation is more parsimonious (and thus most likely) because sympatric speciation would require the populations being separated by a barrier, evolving genetic differentiation, and then coming back together.
• C) Sympatric speciation is more parsimonious (and thus most likely) because allopatric speciation requires heterozygotes to be less fit than either homozygote.
• D) Allopatric speciation is the only plausible means of speciation except in the case of polyploidy.
• E) Sympatric speciation is the only plausible means of speciation except in the case of polyploidy.

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Definitions:

Electrolytes

Minerals in body fluids that carry an electric charge and are essential for the functioning of muscles and nerves.

Acidic

Pertaining to substances that have a pH less than 7, and are capable of donating a proton or hydrogen ion in a chemical reaction.

Strong Acids

Acids that completely ionize in solution, yielding a high concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) and demonstrating a strong ability to donate protons.

Strong Acid

An acid that completely dissociates in water, releasing a high concentration of hydrogen ions and exhibiting a low pH.