Question

Which of the following is a cause of speciation?
A. Point mutation
B. Gross mutation
C. Both A and B
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Speciation is a process in evolution that leads to the emergence of new and unique species that are geographically separated from one another.
However, biologists have devised two distinct paths for speciation to take place.
The term "allopatric speciation", which refers to "speciation in different homelands", refers to a spatial separation from a parent species and the subsequent evolution of populations.
Sympatric speciation, which refers to speciation within a parent species while remaining in the same locality, encompasses speciation inside a parent species.

Complete answer:
Option A: Point mutations are a broad category of mutations that describe a change in a single nucleotide of DNA, such as a substitution for another nucleotide, deletion of a nucleotide, or insertion of a single nucleotide into the DNA, resulting in DNA that differs from the normal or wild type gene.
So, option A is incorrect.
Option B: Gross mutations are defined as alterations that affect more than one nucleotide pair, or an entire gene. Gross mutations are caused by gene rearrangements inside the genome. The number of genes per chromosome may change as a result of gene rearrangement.
So, option B is incorrect.
Option C: A single nucleotide base alteration, insertion, or deletion of the genetic material, DNA or RNA, is referred to as a point mutation.
Gross mutations, also known as chromosomal mutations, occur when the structure of a particular chromosome is altered. The evolutionary process by which reproductively separated biological populations evolve to become distinct species is caused by both point mutation and gross mutation.
So, option C is correct.
Option D: A point mutation is a modification, insertion, or deletion of a single nucleotide base in the genetic material, DNA or RNA.
Gross mutations, also known as chromosomal mutations, occur when a chromosome's structure is changed. Both point mutations and natural selection play a role in the evolution of reproductively separated biological populations into unique species.
So, option D is not correct.

Therefore, Option C is the correct answer.

Note:
Types of speciation:
Allopatric, parapatric, peripatric, and sympatric speciation are the four forms of speciation. Artificial speciation, on the other hand, is sometimes included.
Allopatric speciation occurs when individuals are separated geographically, whereas sympatric speciation occurs when individuals are not separated geographically.
Peripatric and parapatric speciation, on the other hand, occur when populations are isolated, analogous to allopatric speciation.