High School

We appreciate your visit to Isle Royale National Park consists of a series of islands located in Lake Superior Initially there were no wolves on any of the islands since. This page offers clear insights and highlights the essential aspects of the topic. Our goal is to provide a helpful and engaging learning experience. Explore the content and find the answers you need!

Isle Royale National Park consists of a series of islands located in Lake Superior. Initially, there were no wolves on any of the islands since they were in the middle of Lake Superior. However, in 1949, an unusually long and cold winter produced an ice bridge between Canada and the islands of the National Park. During this winter, a pair of wolves used the ice bridge to inadvertently travel to Isle Royale.

What mechanism of evolution is this?

Answer :

The mechanism of evolution described in this scenario is "gene flow."

Gene flow refers to the transfer of genes or alleles from one population to another population through migration or movement of individuals. In this case, the wolves migrating to Isle Royale introduced new genetic material (wolves' genes) to the previously isolated population on the island. This influx of new genetic variation can influence the genetic diversity and composition of the island's wolf population, impacting their evolutionary trajectory over time.

Gene flow is a mechanism of evolution that involves the transfer of genetic material, such as genes or alleles, between populations. It occurs when individuals from one population migrate and interbreed with individuals from another population. This movement of genes can introduce new genetic variation into a population or alter the genetic composition of existing populations.

In the scenario described at Isle Royale National Park, the migration of wolves from Canada to the islands via an ice bridge facilitated gene flow between the mainland wolf population and the previously isolated population on the islands. The wolves that migrated to the islands carried their genetic material with them, which became incorporated into the gene pool of the island population through breeding with local wolves.

As a result of this gene flow, the island wolf population experienced an increase in genetic diversity, as it gained alleles that were previously absent or rare in the population. This influx of new genetic variation can have several evolutionary implications. It can increase the population's adaptive potential, allowing it to better respond to environmental changes or challenges. Additionally, gene flow can promote genetic mixing and reduce genetic differentiation between populations, potentially leading to homogenization of gene pools over time.

Overall, the migration of wolves to Isle Royale introduced gene flow to the previously isolated island population, influencing its genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics.

The complete question is here:

Isle Royale National Park consists of a series of islands located in Lake Superior. Initially, there were no wolves on any of the islands since they were in the middle of Lake Superior. However, in 1949,

an unusually long and cold winter produced an ice bridge between Canada and the islands of the National Park. During this winter, a pair of wolves used the ice bridge to travel inadvertently to Isle Royale. Today there continues to be a wolf population on the main island descended from that original pair. Has allopatric speciation occurred yet with respect to the mainland wolves? If not, could it?

How would you determine if it has occurred?

Thanks for taking the time to read Isle Royale National Park consists of a series of islands located in Lake Superior Initially there were no wolves on any of the islands since. We hope the insights shared have been valuable and enhanced your understanding of the topic. Don�t hesitate to browse our website for more informative and engaging content!

Rewritten by : Barada

Answer:

Geographical isolation

Explanation:

The mechanism of evolution that is at play is geographical isolation.

The pair of wolves that used the ice bridge to travel to Isle Royale would eventually become isolated from the rest of the wolves in Canada. Due to the difference if geographical factors, each population of wolves would develop and adapt differently from each other and eventually become a separate species.

Geographical isolation is a process that occurs when a part of a population is prevented from exchanging genetic materials with the rest of the population as a result of geographical barriers with each portion of the population eventually developing to become different species.