Speciation and Evolutionary Theory

What must an evolutionary theory explain in addition to how populations evolve?

Macroevolution refers to small-scale changes within a single population over a short period.

According to the biological species concept, what is the primary criterion for defining a species?

Reproductive barriers are classified as either ______ or postzygotic, depending on whether they occur before or after the formation of a zygote.

Which of the following is an example of a prezygotic barrier?

Two species of garter snakes live in the same geographic area, but one lives primarily in the water, while the other lives on land. This is an example of which type of prezygotic barrier?

Temporal isolation is a prezygotic barrier that occurs when two species have different mating rituals.

What type of prezygotic barrier occurs when two species have incompatible reproductive structures?

A reproductive barrier that prevents fertilization because the eggs and sperm of two species are incompatible is known as _______ isolation.

Reduced hybrid fertility is a postzygotic barrier where hybrid offspring are viable but unable to reproduce.

Define hybrid breakdown as a postzygotic barrier.

The biological species concept cannot be applied to organisms that reproduce _______.

Which of the following is a limitation of the biological species concept?

Speciation can only occur through allopatric speciation.

Define allopatric speciation.

______ speciation occurs when new species arise within the same geographic area.

Match the type of prezygotic barrier with its description:

What is the primary cause of allopatric speciation?

Sympatric speciation requires a physical barrier to separate populations.

Define polyploidy and explain its role in sympatric speciation.

In sympatric speciation, ______ selection, where females choose mates based on appearance can contribute to reproductive isolation.

A population of plants develops the ability to tolerate high levels of heavy metals in the soil, while the surrounding population remains intolerant. Over time, reproductive isolation occurs due to differences in flowering time. This is an example of:

The biological species concept is universally applicable to all types of organisms, including bacteria and archaea.

Explain how habitat isolation can lead to prezygotic reproductive isolation.

In the context of reproductive isolation, a hybrid zone is a region where members of different species meet and _______.

Which of the following scenarios is most likely to lead to allopatric speciation?

Sympatric speciation is more common in animals than in plants due to differences in mobility.

Describe an example of behavioral isolation in animals and explain how it prevents interbreeding.

A species concept that defines species by their unique ecological niche is called the _______ species concept.

Which of the following is a potential outcome when closely related species meet in a hybrid zone?

Polyploidy can only occur in plants.

Explain how the Isthmus of Panama contributed to allopatric speciation.

According to the biological species concept, eastern and western meadowlarks are considered separate species because they cannot _______ and produce viable, fertile offspring.