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IB DP Biology Questions

5.2 Speciation

Question 1

Which of the following is a mode of speciation that occurs when populations are separated by geographical barriers?

A. Sympatric speciation

B. Allopatric speciation

C. Parapatric speciation

D. Peripatric speciation

Question 2

What is the primary cause of genetic divergence in the process of speciation?

A. Gene flow

B. Genetic drift

C. Random mating

D. Homologous recombination

Question 3

Which type of barrier to gene flow involves differences in mating seasons or reproductive times?

A. Physical barrier

B. Ecological barrier

C. Temporal barrier

D. Behavioral barrier

Question 4

In sympatric speciation, what is typically NOT a contributing factor?

A. Geographic isolation

B. Polyploidy

C. Ecological niche differentiation

D. Disruptive selection

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of a mechanical barrier to gene flow?

A. Different mating calls

B. Incompatible genitalia

C. Different food preferences

D. Variation in breeding seasons

Question 6

a) Explain the process of allopatric speciation and how genetic isolation contributes to the formation of new species. [4]

b) Provide an example of a physical barrier that can lead to allopatric speciation and discuss its impact on gene flow. [3]

Question 7

a) Define sympatric speciation and discuss how it differs from allopatric speciation. [3]

b) Give an example of an ecological barrier that can contribute to sympatric speciation and explain its role in reproductive isolation. [4]

Question 8

a) Discuss the role of temporal isolation as a prezygotic barrier in the speciation process. [4]

b) Provide an example of temporal isolation in nature and explain how it contributes to reproductive isolation. [3]

Question 9

a) Define genetic divergence and explain how it contributes to the formation of new species. [3]

b) Discuss the role of behavioural isolation in speciation and provide an example illustrating this concept. [4]

c) Explain how mechanical barriers contribute to reproductive isolation. [3]

Question 10

a) Describe the concept of ecological speciation and how ecological barriers lead to reproductive isolation. [4]

b) Discuss the significance of speciation in relation to biodiversity. [3]

c) Explain the concept of a species and the challenges associated with defining it. [3]

Question 11

How does ecological isolation contribute to speciation?

A. By causing genetic mutations

B. By preventing physical contact between species

C. By occupying different habitats within the same area

D. By altering the reproductive cycles of species

Question 12

What role does reproductive isolation play in the process of speciation?

A. It increases genetic variation within a population

B. It facilitates gene flow between different populations

C. It prevents interbreeding between diverging populations

D. It accelerates the mutation rate in isolated populations

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT a form of prezygotic isolation?

A. Habitat isolation

B. Temporal isolation

C. Hybrid inviability

D. Behavioral isolation

Question 14

In which mode of speciation do populations evolve into different species while living in the same geographic area?

A. Allopatric speciation

B. Sympatric speciation

C. Parapatric speciation

D. Peripatric speciation

Question 15

What is the outcome of reduced gene flow and genetic divergence between populations?

A. Increased hybridisation

B. Formation of new species

C. Homogenization of populations

D. Decreased genetic variation

Question 16

a) Discuss how genetic isolation occurs and its importance in the speciation process. [4]

b) Provide an example of sympatric speciation and explain the factors contributing to it. [4]

c) How does the study of fossil records support the theory of evolution and speciation? [2]

Question 17

a) Explain the difference between allopatric and sympatric speciation, highlighting the main factors leading to each. [4]

b) Discuss how overproduction of offspring contributes to the process of natural selection and speciation. [3]

c) How do molecular biology techniques help in studying evolutionary relationships and speciation? [3]

Question 18

a) Define speciation and explain the role of genetic isolation in this process. [3]

b) Discuss the concept of allopatric speciation and provide an example illustrating this mode of speciation. [4]

c) Explain how temporal isolation acts as a barrier to gene flow and contributes to speciation. [3]

d) Discuss the importance of genetic variation in the process of natural selection and speciation. [4]

Question 19

a) Describe the process of sympatric speciation and contrast it with allopatric speciation. [4]

b) How do ecological barriers contribute to reproductive isolation and the formation of new species? Provide an example. [4]

c) Discuss the evidence from comparative anatomy that supports the theory of evolution and speciation. [3]

d) Explain the concept of biodiversity hotspots and their significance in conservation strategies. [3]

Question 20

a) Explain the role of mechanical barriers in preventing gene flow and give an example. [3]

b) How does the study of biogeography provide evidence for evolution and speciation? [4]

c) Discuss the concept of descent with modification in relation to Darwin’s theory of evolution. [3]

d) How do international agreements contribute to biodiversity conservation and the prevention of species extinction? [4]

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