Population and Speciation

Question 1

What is stabilizing selection?

Answer 1

Favors average traits.

Stabilizing selection reduces variation and maintains the status quo for a particular trait.

Question 2

What is directional selection?

Answer 2

Favors one extreme.

Directional selection leads to a shift in a population’s traits towards one extreme over time.

Question 3

What is disruptive selection?

Answer 3

Favors both extremes.

Disruptive selection can lead to the formation of two distinct phenotypes within a population.

Question 4

What is speciation?

Answer 4

Formation of a new species.

Speciation often occurs due to reproductive isolation mechanisms.

Question 5

What is geographic reproductive isolation?

Answer 5

Physical separation.

Geographic isolation can occur due to barriers such as mountains, rivers, or distance.

Question 6

What is temporal reproductive isolation?

Answer 6

Different mating times.

Temporal isolation prevents species from mating because they breed at different times of the year or day.

Question 7

What is behavioral reproductive isolation?

Answer 7

Different mating behaviors.

Behavioral isolation occurs when two populations develop distinct mating rituals that prevent interbreeding.