According to the most accepted scientific hypothesis about the origin of two new species from a single common ancestor, most new species arise when                   . a. many mutations occur; b. populations of the ancestral species are isolated from one another; c. there is no natural selection; d. a supernatural creator decides that two new species would be preferable to the old one; e. the ancestral species decides to evolve

Key Concepts

Speciation

Speciation is the evolutionary process by which populations evolve to become distinct species. It often occurs when populations of a single species become isolated from one another, leading to genetic divergence over time. This can happen through mechanisms such as geographic isolation, where physical barriers prevent interbreeding, or reproductive isolation, where differences in mating behaviors or times inhibit gene flow.

Natural Selection

Natural selection is a fundamental mechanism of evolution, where individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce. This process leads to the gradual adaptation of species to their environments. In the context of speciation, natural selection can drive the divergence of isolated populations by favoring different traits that suit their specific habitats or ecological niches.

Mutation and Genetic Variation

Mutations are changes in the DNA sequence that can introduce new genetic variations within a population. While many mutations are neutral or harmful, some can confer beneficial traits that enhance survival and reproduction. Genetic variation is crucial for evolution, as it provides the raw material upon which natural selection can act, ultimately leading to the emergence of new species.