Explain why scientists believe the alberts and kaibab squirrels are examples of speciation.
Question: Explain why scientists believe the alberts and kaibab squirrels are examples of speciation.
Scientists consider the Abert’s squirrel and Kaibab squirrel to be examples of speciation because they evolved as separate populations due to geographic isolation. Both species originated from a common ancestor, but when the Grand Canyon formed, it acted as a natural barrier, splitting the population into two distinct groups—one living on the north rim (Kaibab squirrel) and the other on the south rim (Abert’s squirrel). Over time, these isolated populations developed unique adaptations, such as differences in fur color and physical traits, due to natural selection and environmental pressures. This process, known as allopatric speciation, occurs when a physical barrier prevents gene flow between groups, eventually leading to the formation of distinct species. The divergence of these squirrels is a classic example of how geography can drive evolutionary change.
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