What primary evolutionary driver leads to the taxonomic instability seen between 12 and 15 recognized species within *Geothlypis*?
Answer
Geographic isolation
The genus *Geothlypis* contains a variable number of species, recognized between 12 and 15 depending on the taxonomic authority consulted. This variation often stems from intricate evolutionary relationships where differences have emerged between geographically separated populations. The text explicitly states that geographic isolation has been a powerful driver of divergence within this genus. This isolation sometimes creates confusion regarding species boundaries, such as when the Common Yellowthroat is debated as conspecific with other localized yellowthroats like the Belding's or Bahama yellowthroats.
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