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Scientists recorded flowering information for two Howea palm species found on Lord Howe Island - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 9 - 2023 - Paper 1
Question 9
Scientists recorded flowering information for two Howea palm species found on Lord Howe Island. The information recorded is presented in the following table. Palm s... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Scientists recorded flowering information for two Howea palm species found on Lord Howe Island - VCE - SSCE Biology - Question 9 - 2023 - Paper 1
Step 1
Using the information in the table, identify two factors that may have contributed to speciation in these two palms.
Answer
Two factors that contributed to speciation in the Howea palms are:
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Different Flowering Times: H. forsteriana and H. belmoreana have distinct flowering frequencies, which can prevent cross-pollination and promote reproductive isolation.
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Ecological Adaptations: Each species shows adaptations to different environmental conditions, such as pH levels and altitudes, which may limit their habitats and promote further divergence.
Step 2
Step 3
Explain how these differences between pH and altitude could lead to speciation.
Answer
The differences in pH and altitude can lead to speciation through several mechanisms:
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Habitat Differentiation: Species adapted to specific pH levels may thrive in environments unsuitable for other species. For instance, H. forsteriana prefers slightly more acidic soils, which may affect its growth and reproductive success in those conditions compared to H. belmoreana.
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Natural Selection: Different altitude preferences mean that selection pressures, such as temperature and moisture, vary between the two species, leading to adaptations over time that further differentiate them.
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Reproductive Isolation: If one species develops traits suited to high-altitude environments while the other remains in low-altitude areas, geographical and environmental barriers can enhance reproductive isolation, thus contributing to speciation.