Which of the following describes vicariance? When the Indian subcontinent slammed into Asia forming the Himalayan Mountains, two populations of oak trees were permanently separated by the mountains. A wetland floods reuniting two populations of fish that were in different ponds. A small group of finches get caught in a hurricane, but safely land on a remote island. A rehabilitated bald eagle is released near a lake.

Vicariance may be defined as the separation of two species that are closely related with each other. The species are separated due to the physical barriers.

The population of oak trees has permanently separated due to the mountains as a barrier. Hence, this species shows the vicariance due to the physical barrier.

Thus, the correct answer is option (1).

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