Factors Affecting Biological Diversity-Standard Bio 4.4
Question 4 • Fall 24 GSE Biology B-IC
A population of wildflowers is separated by an eight-lane superhighway. Pollen is often carried by the wind across the highway and can pollinate the flowers on the other side of the highway. Can speciation occur in this situation?No, because the populations are not reproductively isolated.No, because the populations are not geographically isolated.Yes, because the populations are reproductively isolated.Yes, because the populations are geographically isolated.
Answer
A
No, because the populations are not reproductively isolated.
B
No, because the populations are not geographically isolated.
C
Yes, because the populations are reproductively isolated.
D
Yes, because the populations are geographically isolated.
Explanation
Speciation is less likely when gene flow continues between populations. Since wind carries pollen across the highway and pollinates flowers on the other side, the populations can still interbreed and are not reproductively isolated. Therefore, the best choice is “No, because the populations are not reproductively isolated.”
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