The lizards inside and around the White Sands area were once

The lizards inside and around the White Sands area were once considered a single species. Scientists think that the group of lizards in White Sands and the groups on the rocks surrounding this area are undergoing speciation. What needs to happen in order for the lizards to form two species? Explain your answer.

Solution

For speciation to occur, the two groups of lizards have to be separated and should not be allowed to mate for many generations. Therefore if there is a barrier to the movement of the individulas of two species to mingle and meet with one another, then they cannot reproduce. Then, the two groups of lizards will be foced to reproduce within their own populations. As they are now occupying two different ecosystems, given enough time, if the barrier remains intact, the two groups of lizards may evolve into two different species.