Bhawna Bhardwaj,Subject matter expert at Edumarz
Solution-No, geographical isolation is not a major factor in the speciation of an organism that reproduces asexually. There is no meiosis during asexual reproduction. So, there are very rare chances of variation and without variation, there is no speciation. The organism which reproduces asexually does not depend on another organism for reproduction.
Explanation–
Due to geographical isolation, gene flow interrupts. In many cases, gene flow must be stopped so that sub-population becomes genetically isolated. Due to natural selection on the range of phenotypes produced by mutation and sexual combination, changes in allele and gene frequencies occurs occur that lead to the formation of new races. Therefore continued genetic isolation leads to the formation of new species. So in sexually reproducing species, geographical isolation is the factor of speciation. But in asexually reproducing species, only a single parent is involved. They do not depend on another organism for reproduction. Hence in asexually reproducing organisms, geographical isolation is not a factor in the speciation of the organism.
Background–Asexual reproduction is the method of reproduction that involves only a single parent. It does not involve the fusion of gametes. There is no variation in asexual reproduction. Amoeba, Hydra shows asexual reproduction. Only a single parent is involved. The organism does not depend on another individual for reproduction.
