A crow picked up a beetle from one region and dropped it by chance at another region with out eating. Then, the beetle had to breed with the beetles of the new region thereby producing a new genetic combination. Identify the evolutionary agent involved.

Options

A. Genetic drift
B. Gene flow
C. Reproductive isolation
D. Speciation

Explanation

To solve the question, we need to identify the evolutionary agent involved when a crow picks up a beetle from one region and drops it in another region, leading to interbreeding with local beetles. Here’s the step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Understand the Scenario
A crow picks up a beetle from one location and drops it in a different location. This action introduces the beetle to a new population.

**Hint:** Consider how the movement of organisms affects genetic diversity in populations.

### Step 2: Identify the Process of Interbreeding
The beetle that was dropped will breed with the beetles in the new region. This interbreeding can lead to the mixing of genetic material between the two populations.

**Hint:** Think about what happens when individuals from different populations mate.

### Step 3: Recognize the Concept of Gene Flow
The process described is an example of gene flow, which refers to the transfer of genetic variation from one population to another. In this case, the beetle introduces new genetic material to the local beetle population.

**Hint:** Gene flow is often associated with the movement of individuals and their genetic contributions to new populations.

### Step 4: Evaluate Other Options
- **Genetic Drift:** This refers to random changes in allele frequencies in a population, which is not the case here.
- **Reproductive Isolation:** This is a mechanism that prevents different species from interbreeding, which does not apply since the beetles are of the same species.
- **Speciation:** This is the process by which new species arise, which is not directly relevant to the immediate scenario of interbreeding.

**Hint:** Consider whether the other options involve the movement or mixing of genetic material.

### Step 5: Conclusion
The evolutionary agent involved in this scenario is **gene flow**, as it describes the transfer of genetic material between the beetle populations due to the crow's action.

**Final Answer:** Gene flow is the correct evolutionary agent involved in this scenario.

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