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Related Concept Videos

Speciation Rates01:07

Speciation Rates

Speciation can proceed at markedly different rates, and evolutionary biologists commonly describe these differences through the models of gradualism and punctuated equilibrium. Both patterns explain how new species arise, but they differ in the tempo and continuity of evolutionary change. In both cases, evolutionary change arises from heritable variation within populations, with natural selection often shaping traits that improve survival and reproduction under specific environmental conditions.
Genetics of Speciation02:16

Genetics of Speciation

Speciation is the evolutionary process resulting in the formation of new, distinct species—groups of reproductively isolated populations.The genetics of speciation involves the different traits or isolating mechanisms preventing gene exchange, leading to reproductive isolation. Reproductive isolation can be due to reproductive barriers that have effects either before or after the formation of a zygote. Pre-zygotic mechanisms prevent fertilization from occurring, and post-zygotic mechanisms...
The Evidence for Evolution02:55

The Evidence for Evolution

Genetic variations accumulating within populations over generations give rise to biological evolution. Evolutionary changes can result in the formation of novel varieties and entire new species. These changes are responsible for the diverse forms of life inhabiting the planet. The evidence for evolution suggests that all living organisms descended from common ancestors.The collection of fossils within sedimentary rocks give a record of common ancestry and often depicts the history of evolution.
Formation of Species01:31

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.Allopatric SpeciationIn allopatric speciation, gene flow between two populations of the same species is prevented by a geographic barrier, like...
Limits to Natural Selection01:38

Limits to Natural Selection

Organisms that are well-adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. However, natural selection does not lead to perfectly adapted organisms. Several factors constrain natural selection.For one, natural selection can only act upon existing genetic variation. Hypothetically, redtusks may enhance elephant survival by deterring ivory-seeking poachers. However, if there are no gene variants—or alleles—for redtusks, natural selection cannot increase the prevalence of...
Types of Selection01:46

Types of Selection

Natural selection influences the frequencies of particular alleles and phenotypes within populations in several different ways. Primarily, natural selection can be directional, stabilizing, or disruptive. Directional selection favors one extreme trait and shifts the population towards that phenotype while selecting against individuals displaying alternate traits. Stabilizing selection favors an intermediate trait with a narrow range of variation. Deviation from the optimal phenotype towards an...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Dissection and Flat-mounting of the Threespine Stickleback Branchial Skeleton
08:02

Dissection and Flat-mounting of the Threespine Stickleback Branchial Skeleton

Published on: May 7, 2016

Special feature--roundtable discussion. Fish models for studying adaptive evolution and speciation.

Thomas D Kocher1, William R Jeffery, David M Parichy

  • 1Hubbard Center for Genome Studies, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH 03824, USA. tdk@cisunix.unh.edu

Zebrafish
|February 6, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Scientists discussed various fish model systems for studying evolution, including cavefish, Danios, sticklebacks, cichlids, and trout. This email exchange highlights diverse research approaches in evolutionary biology using aquatic vertebrates.

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Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 7, 2026

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Published on: May 7, 2016

Microinjection for Transgenesis and Genome Editing in Threespine Sticklebacks
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Published on: May 13, 2016

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Comparative genomics
  • Developmental biology

Background:

  • Fish offer diverse and powerful model systems for studying evolutionary processes.
  • Previous research has utilized various fish species, but a consolidated discussion was lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To document an email discussion among scientists regarding fish model systems for evolution research.
  • To highlight the utility of diverse fish species in understanding evolutionary mechanisms.

Main Methods:

  • Online email discussion format.
  • Focus on model systems including cavefish, Danios, sticklebacks, cichlids, and trout.

Main Results:

  • Compilation of expert opinions and research interests in fish model systems.
  • Demonstration of the breadth of evolutionary questions addressable with fish.

Conclusions:

  • Fish model systems are crucial for advancing evolutionary studies.
  • Continued exploration of diverse fish species will yield significant insights into evolutionary biology.