According to sympatric speciation, the rising of a new species occurs when:
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Explanation
The correct answer is option 4 i.e. two groups of the same species cannot interbreed among themselves despite living in the same geographic location.
Sympatric speciation occurs when two groups of the same species evolve into separate species without any geographic isolation. In this process, the groups live in the same geographic area but become reproductively isolated due to factors like genetic mutations, behavioral changes, differences in mating preferences, or ecological niche specialization. Over time, these differences prevent interbreeding between the groups, even though they coexist in the same environment. This leads to the formation of a new species. Sympatric speciation is often observed in organisms like insects, fish, or plants, where changes in behavior or habitat preference drive reproductive isolation.