Two Closely Related Beetles Are in the Same Location

question 75

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.Which statement presents the best argument for what is occurring?

• A) Sympatric speciation is more parsimonious (and thus most likely) because allopatric speciation would require the populations being separated by a barrier, evolving genetic differentiation, and then coming back together.
• 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 would require the populations evolving genetic differentiation despite gene flow.
• 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:

Esophagitis

Inflammation of the esophagus, which can cause pain, difficulty swallowing, and other discomforts.

Duodenal Ulcer

A type of peptic ulcer that occurs in the upper part of the small intestine, known as the duodenum.

Mastication

The method of chewing on food to facilitate swallowing and the digestion process.

Surface Area

The total area that the surface of an object occupies, relevant in various biological, physical, and chemical phenomena due to its influence on rates of reactions.