What can lead to sympatric speciation?

Sympatric speciation occurs when a new species arises in the same geographic area as its parent species, rather than being separated by physical barriers. This process can occur through mechanisms such as habitat differentiation or polyploidy.

Habitat differentiation refers to the evolution of different environmental niches within the same area, leading to reproductive isolation even though individuals are in close proximity. For example, if certain individuals of a species begin to exploit different resources or habitats within the same environment, they may start to diverge genetically over time due to differing selective pressures.

Polyploidy is another mechanism frequently associated with sympatric speciation, particularly in plants. In this case, a change in chromosome numbers can lead to reproductive isolation, as polyploid individuals may be unable to interbreed with their diploid relatives, thus creating a separate species.

Both habitat differentiation and polyploidy enable populations to diverge genetically while still being located in the same geographic space, making this option the correct choice in the context of sympatric speciation.