A hypothetical population of monkeys consists of two or more phenotypically different groups who extensively interbreed with one
another. The monkeys share the same geographic space. Over time, they begin to interbreed more frequently with those individuals that are more genetically similar to themselves. Eventually, two unique species evolve in the same, shared environment.a) sympatric speciationb) parapatric speciationc) allopatric speciation
The correct answer is option a, that is, sympatric speciation.
Explanation:
Speciation, which takes place when two groups of similar species live in a similar geographical location, however, they evolve distinctly unless and until they no longer interbreed and are regarded as different species is termed as sympatric speciation.
Sympatric speciation is not similar to other kinds of speciation, in which the formation of a new species takes place when a population gets differentiated into two groups because of migration or geographic barrier. The sympatric speciation can be witnessed in various distinct kinds of species. Thus, the given case of monkeys is an illustration of sympatric speciation.
