What is meant by speciation? List four factors that could lead to speciation. Which of these cannot be a major factor in the speciation of a self-pollinating plant species. Give reason to justify your answer.
Answer:
Speciation is the process by which new species develop from existing species.
Factors that lead to speciation are:
- Genetic drift
- Mutation/ Drastic change in the genes or DNA
- Natural selection
- Geographical isolation
Geographical isolation cannot be a major factor in the speciation of a self-pollinating plant species. This is because a physical geographical barrier cannot be created in self pollinating plants.