How geographic isolation can result the formation of new species?

1 Answer
Jun 24, 2018

Via allopatric speciation and evolutionary factors.

Explanation:

The development of new species due to geographical separation is known as allopatric speciation. With the two groups of organisms no longer interbreeding, their gene pools become separate.

Genes are no longer exchanged between the two groups, allowing them to diverge into two different species. This is driven by several evolutionary factors:

  • Natural selection. Organisms in one geographical region may face different selective pressures than in the other, causing different genes to be selected for or against.
  • Mutation and lack of gene flow. Organisms in either geographical region will undergo random mutation and variation. This will result in new traits evolving in the population, slowly differentiating the two populations.
  • Genetic drift. As a result of selective pressures, genes may be eliminated from the gene pool of one population while surviving in the other. Natural disasters cause a similar effect.