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Related Concept Videos

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...
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...
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.
What is Population Genetics?01:25

What is Population Genetics?

A population is composed of members of the same species that simultaneously live and interact in the same area. When individuals in a population breed, they pass down their genes to their offspring. Many of these genes are polymorphic, meaning that they occur in multiple variants. Such variations of a gene are referred to as alleles. The collective set of all the alleles within a population is known as the gene pool.While some alleles of a given gene might be observed commonly, other variants...
Hybrid Zones02:29

Hybrid Zones

Hybrid zones are narrow regions where two closely related species interact, mate, and produce hybrids. Relative to either parent species, hybrids may possess distinct phenotypic or genetic differences that impact their survival and reproductive success. The genetic variances introduced by hybridization influence species diversity and speciation processes within the hybrid zone.Gene flow and natural selection are evolutionary mechanisms that shape the outcome of a hybrid zone. Gene flow...
Gene Flow02:39

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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Heuristic Mining of Hierarchical Genotypes and Accessory Genome Loci in Bacterial Populations
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Published on: December 7, 2021

Population genomics and speciation.

Roger K Butlin1

  • 1Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, The University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK, r.k.butlin@sheffield.ac.uk

Genetica
|September 9, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Speciation starts with genomic barriers to gene flow. Population genomics identifies these barriers, revealing insights into the balance between gene flow and selection in reproductive isolation.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Speciation initiates with localized genomic barriers to gene exchange.
  • These barriers are linked to local adaptation, intrinsic incompatibility, or assortative mating.
  • Reproductive isolation eventually extends across the entire genome.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the application of population genomics in identifying genomic regions with reduced gene flow.
  • To assess the robustness of population genomics methods in speciation research.
  • To explore methods for advancing beyond simple identification of differentiated markers.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing population genomics to detect loci with significant differentiation.
  • Analyzing regions of reduced gene flow.
  • Reviewing recent studies employing this approach across various systems.

Main Results:

  • Population genomics effectively identifies genomic regions associated with speciation.
  • The approach has proven robust in several empirical systems.
  • Methods exist to move beyond identifying differentiated markers.

Conclusions:

  • Population genomics is a powerful tool for understanding the evolution of reproductive isolation.
  • It significantly contributes to understanding the interplay of gene flow and selection.
  • This approach holds great future potential for both model and non-model organisms.