Answer question 1 ### Question 1**Explain the process of allopatric speciation in your own words.** In your answer, use all of the following terms:- gene flow- mutation- genetic drift- natural selection- non-random mating (choose a particular type)### Question 2Northern elephant seals (*Mirounga angustirostris*) were hunted to near extinction in the 1890s, with the population reduced to an estimated 20 to 30 individuals. Southern elephant seals (*Mirounga leonina*) have also been affected by human hunting, but populations of this species were not decimated to the extent that they were for the northern species. Genetic variation was examined for these two species.

Nonrandom mating can occur when individuals prefer mates with particular superior physical characteristics or by the preference of individuals to mate with individuals similar to themselves. If individuals non randomly mate with other individuals in the population, i.e. they choose their mate, choices can drive evolution within a population. There are many reasons nonrandom mating occurs. One reason is simple mate choice or sexual selection; for example, female peahens may prefer peacocks with bigger, brighter tails. Traits that lead to more matings for an individual lead to more offspring and through natural selection, eventually lead to a higher frequency of that trait in the population. One common form of mate choice, called positive assortative mating, is an individual’s preference to mate with partners that are phenotypically similar to themselves.Speciation is a gradual process by which populations evolve into different species. Allopatric speciation is speciation that happens when two populations of the same species become isolated from each other due to geographic changes. Allopatric speciation, also referred to as geographic speciation, vicariant speciation, or its earlier name, the dumbbell model, is a mode of speciation that occurs when biological populations become geographically isolated from each other to an extent that prevents or interferes with gene flow. Various geographic changes can arise such as the movement of continents, and the formation of mountains, islands, bodies of water, or glaciers. Human activity such as agriculture or developments can also change the distribution of species populations. These factors can substantially alter a region's geography, resulting in the separation of a species population into isolated subpopulations. The vicariant populations then undergo genetic changes as they become subjected to different selective pressures, experience genetic drift, and accumulate different mutations in the separated populations gene pools. The barriers prevent the exchange of genetic information between the two populations leading to reproductive isolation. If the two populations come into contact they will be unable to reproduce, effectively speciating. Mathematical modeling of the genetic basis of reproductive isolation supports the plausibility of allopatric speciation; whereas laboratory experiments of Drosophila and other animal and plant species have confirmed that reproductive isolation evolves as a byproduct of natural selection. Due to allopatric speciation, a new species evolves eventually. In order to keep the members of the species from dying, the individuals undergo nonrandom mating. Nonrandom mating ensures that the individuals of the species flourish and are able to adapt to various conditions. For example: Grand Canyon Squirrels When the Grand Canyon was formed, it created a natural barrier between the squirrels living in the area. About 10,000 years ago, the squirrel population was separated from each other by this geographic change and could no longer live in the same area. Over thousands of years, the divided squirrel populations became two different species. Kaibab squirrels live on the north rim of the canyon and have a small range, while Abert squirrels live on the south rim and live in a much larger range. Members of these two species have a similar size, shape, and diet, and slight color differences, but they are no longer in contact with each other and have become so different during their separation that they are now separate species.