What happens to populations separated by a geographical barrier?

Prepare for the VCE Biology Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

When populations become separated by a geographical barrier, such as mountains, rivers, or vast distances, they are isolated from each other. This separation can lead to distinct evolutionary paths for each population. Over time, each group may adapt to its specific environment and encounter different selection pressures that influence survival and reproduction.

For instance, one population may develop adaptations for a cold climate while the other may adapt to a warmer environment. The result is that these populations diverge genetically because natural selection, genetic drift, and mutation operate differently on them. This process can eventually lead to the formation of new species, known as speciation, as the populations no longer interbreed effectively due to their adaptations and changes over time.

Thus, option C highlights the crucial principle of how geographical barriers can lead to different evolutionary trajectories for isolated populations, shaping their evolution in response to varying environmental challenges.

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