A species of fish known as Astyanax mexicanus lives in deep underground caves off the coast of Mexico. It is virtually blind. The same fish lives near the surface and has fully functioning eyes. Over time, what will most likely happen to the sighted and blind types of Astyanax mexicanus?

A. One type will become extinct.

B. They will become separate species.

C. They will interbreed and exhibit only the dominant trait.

D. One type will mutate to become more like the other.

Question

Biology

Lisa Buck

16 April, 17:57

A species of fish known as Astyanax mexicanus lives in deep underground caves off the coast of Mexico. It is virtually blind. The same fish lives near the surface and has fully functioning eyes. Over time, what will most likely happen to the sighted and blind types of Astyanax mexicanus?

A. One type will become extinct.

B. They will become separate species.

C. They will interbreed and exhibit only the dominant trait.

D. One type will mutate to become more like the other.

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Answers (1)

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Victoria Ashley · Answer 1

The correct answer is B. They will become separate species.

This is an example of a llopatric speciation.

This means that the two populations of the same species gradually develop into separate species after being separated by a geographical barrier.

In the case of the Astyanax mexicanus, the two populations are separated by the cave.