Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

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.Allopatric SpeciationIn allopatric speciation, gene flow between two populations of the same species is prevented by a geographic barrier, like...

Speciation Rates

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 Speciation

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...

Overview of Fungi

Overview of Fungi

Fungi are a diverse group of eukaryotes more closely related to animals than other eukaryotes. Fungal cell walls comprise chitin, a polysaccharide that provides structural strength, and glucans, which contribute to flexibility and integrity. Other polysaccharides, such as mannans and galactosans, may supplement or replace chitin in some fungi. These adaptations, along with their preference for acidic environments and tolerance for high osmotic pressure, enable fungi to thrive in various...

Fungal Group Zygomycota

Fungal Group Zygomycota

Zygomycota, previously classified as a distinct fungal group, are primarily terrestrial, saprophytic molds that play a crucial role as decomposers. Recent phylogenetic studies have revealed that these fungi are now divided into two major clades — Mucoromycota, which includes many symbiotic species, and Zoopagomycota, which primarily consists of parasitic and pathogenic fungi. These groups exhibit distinct ecological roles and reproductive strategies while sharing key structural and...

Fungal Phylum Ascomycota

Fungal Phylum Ascomycota

Phylum Ascomycota, a major division within the subkingdom Dikarya, comprises a diverse range of fungal species, including both unicellular yeasts and filamentous molds such as Aspergillus and Penicillium. These fungi thrive in a variety of habitats, from aquatic ecosystems to terrestrial environments, playing crucial ecological and economic roles.Morphology and ReproductionThe defining characteristic of Ascomycetes, commonly referred to as sac fungi, is the ascus—a sac-like structure that...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Age-based risk estimates for C9orf72RE-related diseases: Theoretical developments and added value for genetic counseling.

PLoS genetics·2026

Same author

Contrasting sensitivities to seasonal warming among co-occurring diseases.

Philosophical transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological sciences·2026

Same author

Silene, a versatile model system: from sex and genome evolution to ecology and speciation.

The New phytologist·2026

Same author

Host Phosphorus Limitation Triggers Trade-Off Between Stoichiometric Homeostasis and Production in the Micro-Parasite Amoebophrya ceratii.

The Journal of eukaryotic microbiology·2026

Same author

Diversity of <i>Sordariales</i> Fungi: Identification of Seven New Species of <i>Naviculisporaceae</i> Through Morphological Analyses and Genome Sequencing.

Journal of fungi (Basel, Switzerland)·2025

Same author

Stepwise recombination suppression around the mating-type locus associated with a diploid-like life cycle in Schizothecium fungi.

Molecular biology and evolution·2025

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Sexual Development and Ascospore Discharge in Fusarium graminearum

Sexual Development and Ascospore Discharge in Fusarium graminearum

Published on: March 29, 2012

Speciation in fungi.

Tatiana Giraud¹, Guislaine Refrégier, Mickaël Le Gac

¹Ecologie, Systématique et Evolution, UMR 8079 CNRS, ESE, Bâtiment 360; Université Paris-Sud, 91405 Orsay cedex, France. Tatiana.Giraud@u-psud.fr

Fungal Genetics and Biology : FG & B

|March 19, 2008

Summary

This review clarifies fungal speciation by distinguishing species definition from criteria. It explores fungal speciation modes, reproductive isolation, and genetic factors, including asexual species.

More Related Videos

Determination of the Mating Efficiency of Haploids in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Determination of the Mating Efficiency of Haploids in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Published on: December 2, 2022

Sexual Crosses with the Mucoromycete Phycomyces blakesleeanus

Sexual Crosses with the Mucoromycete Phycomyces blakesleeanus

Published on: June 6, 2025

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 6, 2026

Sexual Development and Ascospore Discharge in Fusarium graminearum

Sexual Development and Ascospore Discharge in Fusarium graminearum

Published on: March 29, 2012

Determination of the Mating Efficiency of Haploids in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Determination of the Mating Efficiency of Haploids in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Published on: December 2, 2022

Sexual Crosses with the Mucoromycete Phycomyces blakesleeanus

Sexual Crosses with the Mucoromycete Phycomyces blakesleeanus

Published on: June 6, 2025

Area of Science:

Mycology
Evolutionary Biology
Genetics

Background:

Fungal speciation is a complex evolutionary process.
Understanding the mechanisms driving fungal species diversification is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

To review and clarify concepts of species definition and criteria in fungal speciation.
To synthesize recent advances in understanding fungal speciation modes, reproductive isolation, and genetic underpinnings.

Main Methods:

Literature review of fungal speciation research.
Analysis of theoretical models and empirical evidence for speciation mechanisms.
Examination of genetic and epigenetic factors in fungal evolution.

Main Results:

Distinguishing species definition from criteria aids speciation research.
Allopatric speciation is well-documented in fungi; sympatric speciation models and examples are discussed.
Pre- and postzygotic isolation, cospeciation, host shifts, hybridization, karyotypic rearrangement, and epigenetic mechanisms play roles in fungal speciation.
Genetics of speciation, including in asexual fungi, is reviewed.

Conclusions:

A clear conceptual framework enhances fungal speciation studies.
Diverse mechanisms contribute to the vast diversity of fungal species.
Future research should integrate genetic and ecological data to fully elucidate fungal speciation.