A formerly large population of frogs was split into two small populations (each

Question

A formerly large population of frogs was split into two small populations (each approximately 200 individuals) as portions of the original habitat were destroyed and fragmented. Analysis of genetic variation at 8 neutral loci and 2 quantitative phenotypic traits show divergence between the two populations. In addition, each population has different alleles that are 'fixed' at 5 of the 8 neutral loci and one of the phenotypic traits. Explain the evolutionary processes that led to the genetic results given.

Explanation / Answer

This type of evolutionary process were 2 different species are derived from a common anscestor is called "divergent evolution". Here the 2 frog species which diverged from the same anscestor acquires different traits in their gene due to environmental conditions and adaptations to survive in that particular environmental situation. This is a part of macroevolution. When this divergent selection occurs, initially both species will look similar but in over time they become dissimilar totally due to genetic differences occuring in them. It is also called as "adaptive radiation" only when the speciation occurs in short span of time. If the evolution takes time then it is divergent evolution. This type of evolution leads to stoppage of interbreeding between the population and ultimately the same population cannot be interbred as there occurs decrease or incraese in chromosome number , mutation etc.. Thus , the 2 species becomes totally different species though they have the same anscestor. hence here also same adaptive radiation should have evolved which ultimately leads to divergent evolution and finally 2 different species with one common ancestor.

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