The process of speciation can occur through allopatric speciation, where a geographic barrier separates a population and prevents gene flow between the two groups. However, this is not the primary reason for the speciation of the African elephant and the Asian elephant. Which of the following is the primary reason?

Core Concept

The African elephant and the Asian elephant are both members of the elephant family, but they have undergone significant evolutionary changes that have led to their speciation. The primary reason for this speciation is natural selection, which has favored different traits in the two populations. For example, the African elephant has a larger body size and a more curved tusk, while the Asian elephant has a smaller body size and a straighter tusk. These differences are thought to have arisen through natural selection acting on the existing genetic variation within the population. This is an example of adaptation, where the trait of body size and tusk shape has evolved to better suit the environment.