Allopatric Speciation and Gene Flow
To investigate allopatric speciation, scientists divided a lizard population with a physical barrier. After several generations, no significant divergence was observed between the two subpopulations. The investigation revealed that occasional gene flow occurred through breaches in the barrier. Which of the following describes the primary conceptual flaw in this study?
Ignoring the potential for non-physical barriers, such as behavioral differences, to contribute to reproductive isolation.
Underestimating the importance of completely preventing gene flow to observe the effects of allopatric speciation.
Overlooking the possibility that the lizards might not have enough genetic variability for significant evolutionary divergence.
Assuming that physical barriers are the only factor necessary to drive significant evolutionary changes in a population.
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