If natural selection and genetic drift act in different directions in two separated populations, what can be the long-term result?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: The populations can become different enough for speciation
The governing concept is population divergence. In separated populations, natural selection may favor traits suited to different environments, while genetic drift changes allele frequencies through random sampling, especially in small populations. If both forces act differently, the populations can accumulate genetic and phenotypic differences across generations. With sufficient reproductive isolation, speciation may follow. Therefore A is correct; the other choices are biologically unsupported extremes.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
The populations can become different enough for speciation
Why is this the correct answer?
The governing concept is population divergence. In separated populations, natural selection may favor traits suited to different environments, while genetic drift changes allele frequencies through random sampling, especially in small populations. If both forces act differently, the populations can accumulate genetic and phenotypic differences across generations. With sufficient reproductive isolation, speciation may follow. Therefore A is correct; the other choices are biologically unsupported extremes.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Heredity and Evolution. Topic: Evolution and speciation.
Student feedback
Was this question useful?
👍 0 Helpful 👎 0 Not helpful
Yes 0% No 0%
0 responsesStudent Reviews
No published reviews yet.
