What is meant by speciation? List four factors that could lead to speciation. Which of these cannot be a major factor in the speciation of a self-pollinating plant species. Give reason to justify your answer.

Explanation

(i) Speciation : The process of formation of a new species from a pre-existing one.
(ii) Four factors :
Genetic drift
Mutation / Drastic change in the genes or DNA
Natural selection
Geographical isolation
(iii) Geographical isolation cannot be a major factor in the speciation of a self-pollinating plant species.
(iv) Reason : Physical barrier cannot be created in self- pollinating plants.