Which type of speciation results from an extreme change in habitat?

Study for the Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Middle Grades Science (OAE 029) with engaging flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations to help you prepare effectively for your exam.

Parapatric speciation occurs when populations are geographically adjacent but have distinct habitat ranges. This form of speciation results from varying environmental conditions across a gradient, leading to the adaptation of populations to their respective habitats. An extreme change in habitat can create a scenario where populations that were once part of a continuous range become separated by ecological differences, promoting divergence due to selection pressures.

In contrast, sympatric speciation typically occurs within the same geographic area, often through mechanisms like polyploidy in plants or behavioral changes in animals, rather than habitat change. Allopatric speciation requires physical separation of populations, often due to a geographical barrier, rather than an extreme change in habitat. The term "extinct speciation" is not standard in the context of speciation and does not accurately describe a recognized process. Therefore, the association of extreme habitat change with parapatric speciation is well-grounded in ecological and evolutionary principles.

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