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Formation of Species

Formation of Species

Speciation describes the formation of one or more new species from one or sometimes multiple original species. The resulting species are discrete from the parent species, and barriers to reproduction will typically exist. There are two primary mechanisms, speciation with and without geographic isolation—allopatric and sympatric speciation, respectively.

Speciation Rates

Speciation Rates

Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift

Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift

In a population that is not at Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, the frequency of alleles changes over time. Therefore, any deviations from the five conditions of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium can alter the genetic variation of a given population. Conditions that change the genetic variability of a population include mutations, natural selection, non-random mating, gene flow, and genetic drift (small population size).

Genetics of Speciation

Genetics of Speciation

Speciation is the evolutionary process resulting in the formation of new, distinct species—groups of reproductively isolated populations.

Genetic Drift

Genetic Drift

Natural selection—probably the most well-known evolutionary mechanism—increases the prevalence of traits that enhance survival and reproduction. However, evolution does not merely propagate favorable traits, nor does it always benefit populations.

Gene Flow

Gene Flow

Gene flow is the transfer of genes among populations, resulting from either the dispersal of gametes or from the migration of individuals.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 11, 2026

Probing the Limits of Egg Recognition Using Egg Rejection Experiments Along Phenotypic Gradients

Probing the Limits of Egg Recognition Using Egg Rejection Experiments Along Phenotypic Gradients

Published on: August 22, 2018

Evolution driven by differential dispersal within a wild bird population.

Dany Garant¹, Loeske E B Kruuk, Teddy A Wilkin

¹Edward Grey Institute, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PS, UK. dany.garant@zoology.oxford.ac.uk

|January 7, 2005

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Local populations of great tits evolved different body masses due to spatially variable genetic variation and non-random dispersal. This rapid, small-scale differentiation challenges traditional views of gene flow opposing evolution.

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Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations

Following the Dynamics of Structural Variants in Experimentally Evolved Populations

Published on: February 3, 2023

Area of Science:

Evolutionary biology
Population genetics
Ecology

Background:

Evolutionary divergence is shaped by selection and gene flow.
Spatial variation in genetic traits can lead to differential evolutionary trajectories.
Non-random dispersal can potentially enhance evolutionary differentiation.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the evolution of body mass differences in a great tit population over 36 years.
To determine if spatial variation in genetic variance and non-random dispersal influence evolutionary divergence.
To link microevolutionary patterns with ecological factors driving differentiation.

Main Methods:

Long-term monitoring of a great tit (Parus major) population in a continuous woodland.
Analysis of spatially variable genetic variance for nestling body mass.
Assessment of selection pressures and dispersal patterns.
Correlation of evolutionary patterns with ecological data on habitat quality and density.

Main Results:

Significant spatial variation in genetic variance for nestling body mass was observed.
Non-random dispersal reinforced, rather than counteracted, evolutionary differentiation.
Small-scale evolutionary differentiation in body mass occurred rapidly within the population.
Density-dependent habitat quality differences were identified as a driver of settlement decisions and differentiation.

Conclusions:

Gene flow is not always a homogenizing force and can facilitate rapid, small-scale evolutionary divergence.
Non-random dispersal and spatially variable selection can drive significant microevolutionary changes.
Findings have implications for understanding the scales of adaptation and speciation.