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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...
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.
Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift01:09

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).Mechanisms of Genetic VariationThe original sources of genetic variation are mutations,...
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...
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.

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Microinjection for Transgenesis and Genome Editing in Threespine Sticklebacks
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Genetic diversification, vicariance, and selection in a polytypic frog.

Jeanne M Robertson1, Kelly R Zamudio

  • 1Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Corson Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853-2701, USA. jmrobertson@uidaho.edu

The Journal of Heredity
|July 11, 2009
PubMed
Summary

Geographic barriers shape red-eyed tree frog populations, leading to distinct color patterns and genetic divergence. Phenotypic diversity arises from localized adaptations, isolation, drift, or stasis across varied spatial scales.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Population Genetics
  • Herpetology

Background:

  • Geographic variation within species is shaped by gene flow and selection.
  • Understanding spatial patterns of phenotypic diversity is key to evolutionary studies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify color differentiation and genetic divergence in red-eyed tree frogs (Agalychnis callidryas).
  • To investigate the roles of geographic barriers, adaptation, and evolutionary processes in population structuring.

Main Methods:

  • Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial DNA from 20 populations.
  • Quantification of phenotypic characters (flank and leg coloration).
  • Analysis of spatial patterns of genetic and phenotypic diversity.

Main Results:

  • Identified 5 mitochondrial DNA clades, suggesting significant roles for geographic barriers.
  • Flank coloration distinguished Caribbean from Pacific populations; leg coloration showed complex patterns.
  • Observed three distinct patterns: phenotypic differentiation with connectivity, uniformity across genetic divergence, and codistribution of traits.

Conclusions:

  • Phenotypic diversification is regionalized and influenced by localized adaptations, isolation, genetic drift, or stasis.
  • Selection gradients vary significantly across small spatial scales, even in uniform environments.
  • Both natural and sexual selection may play roles in population differentiation.