Marsupials, such as kangaroos, koalas, and wombats, are mammals that care for their newborn young in a pouch. All marsupials that are found in Australia are thought to have evolved from a single species that migrated to the island and then adapted to the various niches. What does this example illustrate? behavioral adaptation adaptive radiation geographic isolation population explosion

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**Marsupials in Australia: An Evolutionary Biology Analysis**

Marsupials, such as kangaroos, koalas, and wombats, are mammals that care for their newborn young in a pouch. All marsupials that are found in Australia are thought to have evolved from a single species that migrated to the island and then adapted to the various niches. What does this example illustrate?

- Behavioral adaptation
- Adaptive radiation
- Geographic isolation
- Population explosion
Transcribed Image Text:**Marsupials in Australia: An Evolutionary Biology Analysis** Marsupials, such as kangaroos, koalas, and wombats, are mammals that care for their newborn young in a pouch. All marsupials that are found in Australia are thought to have evolved from a single species that migrated to the island and then adapted to the various niches. What does this example illustrate? - Behavioral adaptation - Adaptive radiation - Geographic isolation - Population explosion
### Population Isolation and Speciation

**Question:**
Which is most likely to happen to a population that becomes anatomically isolated from the rest of its species?

**Options:**
1. The entire species will become extinct.
2. The population will become a separate species over time.
3. The population will breed with a different species nearby.
4. The entire species will continue to have viable offspring together.

When a population becomes anatomically isolated, it means that they can no longer breed with the rest of their species due to physical differences. This isolation often leads to various evolutionary outcomes. 

**Explanation of the Options:**
- **Option 1:** "The entire species will become extinct." While this is a possible outcome, it is not the most likely immediate consequence of anatomical isolation.
- **Option 2:** "The population will become a separate species over time." This is the most likely outcome due to processes such as genetic drift and natural selection. Over many generations, the isolated group can accumulate different genetic changes that lead to speciation.
- **Option 3:** "The population will breed with a different species nearby." This is less likely since anatomical isolation usually prevents interbreeding even with related species.
- **Option 4:** "The entire species will continue to have viable offspring together." This is unlikely in scenarios of anatomical isolation because the populations are separated and cannot breed with each other.

Therefore, the most likely outcome is that the population will become a separate species over time (Option 2). 

Understanding this concept is fundamental in evolutionary biology as it explains how new species emerge and biodiversity increases.
Transcribed Image Text:### Population Isolation and Speciation **Question:** Which is most likely to happen to a population that becomes anatomically isolated from the rest of its species? **Options:** 1. The entire species will become extinct. 2. The population will become a separate species over time. 3. The population will breed with a different species nearby. 4. The entire species will continue to have viable offspring together. When a population becomes anatomically isolated, it means that they can no longer breed with the rest of their species due to physical differences. This isolation often leads to various evolutionary outcomes. **Explanation of the Options:** - **Option 1:** "The entire species will become extinct." While this is a possible outcome, it is not the most likely immediate consequence of anatomical isolation. - **Option 2:** "The population will become a separate species over time." This is the most likely outcome due to processes such as genetic drift and natural selection. Over many generations, the isolated group can accumulate different genetic changes that lead to speciation. - **Option 3:** "The population will breed with a different species nearby." This is less likely since anatomical isolation usually prevents interbreeding even with related species. - **Option 4:** "The entire species will continue to have viable offspring together." This is unlikely in scenarios of anatomical isolation because the populations are separated and cannot breed with each other. Therefore, the most likely outcome is that the population will become a separate species over time (Option 2). Understanding this concept is fundamental in evolutionary biology as it explains how new species emerge and biodiversity increases.
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