Which geographical feature is cited as fostering speciation events in Japan's avian population?
Answer
Stretches of sea separating the various islands.
The high degree of avian endemism found within Japan is intrinsically linked to its geography as an archipelago nation. The physical separation caused by significant stretches of sea between the different islands is the primary driver for speciation. This geographic isolation prevents gene flow between populations established on separate landmasses, allowing them to evolve independently in response to localized environmental pressures and distinct selective forces. This process, particularly noticeable in southerly chains like the Ryukyu Islands, fostered the development of species strictly confined to their specific landmasses.
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