Rapid Speciation of African Fishes in Lake Victoria

Why do different species of cichlids in Lake Victoria inhabit different areas of the lake?

a. Ecological opportunity
b. Sex biased color differences
c. Habitat heterogeneity
d. Rapid speciation

Answer:

The best explanation for the different species of cichlids in Lake Victoria inhabiting different areas of the lake is a. Ecological opportunity.

In Lake Victoria, the rapid speciation of different species of cichlids can be attributed to the ecological opportunity present in the lake.

The ecological opportunity refers to the availability of diverse resources and habitats within the lake that allow for the formation of different niches and provide opportunities for speciation to occur. This diversity in resources and habitats creates an environment where different species of cichlids can evolve and adapt to specific ecological niches, leading to the development of distinct populations in different areas of the lake.

Furthermore, the presence of sex-biased color differences among cichlid populations can also contribute to speciation by creating barriers to gene flow between populations. These color differences may be driven by sexual selection, where females prefer males with specific coloration, leading to reproductive isolation and the divergence of populations into distinct species over time.

The combination of ecological opportunity and sex-biased color differences in Lake Victoria increases the likelihood of speciation in African fishes, as seen in the diverse cichlid species found in different areas of the lake. This phenomenon showcases the incredible ability of evolution to shape the biodiversity of our world.