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Related Concept Videos

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.
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...
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.
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...
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...
Ecological Niches02:02

Ecological Niches

All organisms have a position within an ecosystem. The complete set of living and nonliving factors—including food resources, climate, and terrain—that define the position of a given organism are collectively referred to as the organism’s ecological niche.Multiple species cannot occupy the exact same niche within their habitat. If the niches of two or more species overlap to a large extent, the competitive exclusion principle dictates that one species will outcompete the other, forcing it to...

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Resurrection of Dormant Daphnia magna: Protocol and Applications
07:37

Resurrection of Dormant Daphnia magna: Protocol and Applications

Published on: January 19, 2018

Evidence for ecological speciation and its alternative.

Dolph Schluter1

  • 1Biodiversity Research Centre and Zoology Department, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada. schluter@zoology.ubc.ca

Science (New York, N.Y.)
|February 7, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Natural selection drives speciation through ecological divergence or mutation-order processes. While ecological speciation is well-supported, mutation-order speciation, often linked to intragenomic conflict, requires further research.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Genetics
  • Speciation Research

Background:

  • Darwin's theory posits natural selection as a primary driver of species origin.
  • Speciation mechanisms are broadly categorized into ecological and mutation-order pathways.
  • Understanding the genetic basis of reproductive isolation is crucial for evolutionary studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and synthesize evidence for different speciation mechanisms driven by natural selection.
  • To highlight the prevalence of ecological speciation and the challenges in identifying mutation-order speciation.
  • To underscore the ongoing difficulties in identifying genes responsible for reproductive isolation.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on speciation by natural selection.
  • Analysis of evidence for ecological speciation through parallel evolution, assortative mating, and selection.
  • Examination of documented cases of mutation-order speciation, particularly those involving intragenomic conflict.

Main Results:

  • Ecological speciation is frequently observed, supported by studies on reproductive isolation and trait divergence.
  • Evidence for mutation-order speciation is less common, with intragenomic conflict being a key documented factor.
  • Identifying the specific genes underlying reproductive isolation remains a significant challenge.

Conclusions:

  • Natural selection is a key force in the origin of species, primarily through ecological mechanisms.
  • While ecological speciation is well-established, mutation-order speciation warrants further investigation.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the genetic underpinnings of reproductive isolation and speciation.