Name: Evolution of Man
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 7 min 34 s
Description: The theory of evolution explains how modern species exist. But what about humans? How does this process affect our species? Find these answers in this video!

Question

Does geographical isolation of individuals of a species lead to formation of a new species? Provide a suitable explanation.

Accepted Answer

Yes, geographical isolation of individuals of a species leads to speciation. Speciation is an evolutionary process by which populations evolve to become distinct species.

In speciation, an ancestral species split into two or more descendant species that are genetically different from one another and cannot interbreed among themselves.

When an existing species separate due to geographical isolation, like the formation of a natural barrier, reproductively they are isolated as they are no longer together to interbreed. This is called Reproductive isolation.

Further, the two separated populations of a species get separated into two groups as they gradually adapt to different environments, thus, accumulate genetic variations in them.

This, in turn, causes isolation of gene pool of section of population from rest; inhibits gene flow (spread of genes between populations) and thereby leads to the formation of new species i.e., Speciation.

Does geographical isolation of individuals of a species lead to formation of a new species? Provide a suitable explanation.

Important Questions on Heredity and Evolution

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