Parapatric Speciation Occurs Most Often ____

Question

Parapatric speciation occurs most often ____.  
A) within in the same home range
B) populations inhabiting different areas while maintaining contact along a common border
C) within a group of interbreeding populations
D) on either side of geographic barriers
E) by polyploidy

Accepted Answer

Parapatric speciation occurs when two populations inhabit different areas but maintain contact along a common border, which allows for gene flow between the populations. Over time, differences may accumulate along the border, leading to reproductive isolation and the formation of new species. This is in contrast to allopatric speciation, which is driven by physical barriers that prevent gene flow between populations.