Answer to Question #138796 in Evolution for NibeditaRudra

Question

What is the significance of isolating mechanism in a population.

Answer 1

Isolation occurs when a portion of a population is separated, stopping breeding with the other part. The separation can be behavioral or geographic. Isolation can lead to the emergence of new species. Speciation occurs when one species becomes two. Therefore, isolation mechanisms can lead to speciation. As such, isolating mechanisms contribute to diversity in the ecosystem by facilitating the emergence of new species.