Which of the following is considered the most recently evolved process in the evolution of populations?

• A. Genetic drift
• B. Natural selection
• C. Sexual reproduction
• D. Sympatric speciation

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of sympatric speciation: Sympatric speciation occurs when new species evolve from a single ancestral species while inhabiting the same geographic region. This process is considered more recent in evolutionary terms compared to other mechanisms like genetic drift or natural selection.
2. Compare sympatric speciation with genetic drift: Genetic drift refers to random changes in allele frequencies within a population over time. It is an older evolutionary mechanism that has been observed across many species.
3. Compare sympatric speciation with natural selection: Natural selection is the process by which individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce. This mechanism has been fundamental to evolution since the beginning of life.
4. Compare sympatric speciation with sexual reproduction: Sexual reproduction is a biological process that predates sympatric speciation and is a mechanism for genetic variation, not speciation itself.
5. Conclude why sympatric speciation is the most recently evolved process: Sympatric speciation represents a more specialized and recent evolutionary process, as it requires specific conditions like ecological niches or behavioral isolation within the same geographic area.