Question

Interpret your graph by (a) explaining in words any pattern indicating a possible relationship between the variables and (b) hypothesizing the possible cause of such a relationship.

Short answer

1. The graph indicates that with the increase in geographical distance between populations, the value of reproductive isolation also increases. So reproduction isolation value is dependent on the geographical isolation between populations.
2. A hypothesis can indicate that the mentioned condition is due to reduced chances of mating between members in different populations. When populations become isolated geographically, the members mate within the population, andgene flow stops between these populations.

Step-by-step solution

Step 1: Graph

A graph is a diagrammatical representation of point, line segments, curves, and areas that show a variable's relationship with other variables. It includes vertices and edges. Examples of graphs are bar graphs and pie charts.

Explanation for the answer (a)

The graph shows a positively correlated relationship between genetic distance and reproduction isolation. This is because, with the increase in distance between two populations, reproduction isolation value is also increasing.

Explanation for the answer (b)

Here, the reproduction isolation value changes with the distance between two populations. It also shows that the reproduction value is increased with the increase in the distance between two populations.

A hypothesis can be made that the individuals of different populations with a particular distance cannot contact each other and so cannot mate and gene flow blocks between them.