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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...

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.

Hybrid Zones

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...

Monohybrid Crosses

Monohybrid Crosses

Incomplete Dominance

Incomplete Dominance

Gregor Mendel's work (1822 - 1884) was primarily focused on pea plants. Through his initial experiments, he determined that every gene in a diploid cell has two variants called alleles inherited from each parent. He suggested that amongst these two alleles, one allele is dominant in character and the other recessive. The combination of alleles determines the phenotype of a gene in an organism.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Non-radioactive in situ Hybridization Protocol Applicable for Norway Spruce and a Range of Plant Species

Non-radioactive in situ Hybridization Protocol Applicable for Norway Spruce and a Range of Plant Species

Published on: April 17, 2009

Speciation genes in the genus Petunia.

Julien Venail¹, Alexandre Dell'olivo, Cris Kuhlemeier

¹Institute of Plant Sciences, University of Bern, Altenbergrain 21, CH-3013 Bern, Switzerland.

Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B, Biological Sciences

|January 6, 2010

Summary

Angiosperms evolved animal pollination through floral trait changes. This study in Petunia reveals hawkmoths prefer larger flowers and avoid long floral tubes, aiding pollinator selection.

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Determination of Self-(In)compatibility and Inter-(In)compatibility Relationships in Citrus Using Manual Pollination, Microscopy, and S-Genotype Analyses

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In Situ Hybridization for the Precise Localization of Transcripts in Plants

In Situ Hybridization for the Precise Localization of Transcripts in Plants

Published on: November 23, 2011

Area of Science:

Plant reproductive biology
Pollination ecology
Evolutionary genetics

Background:

Angiosperms utilize animal pollinators for efficient pollen transfer, requiring coordinated evolution of floral traits.
Understanding the genetic basis of floral trait variation is crucial for deciphering pollination syndromes.
Petunia serves as a model system for quantitative genetics and genomics research in plant reproduction.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the genetic polymorphisms underlying floral trait differences in Petunia.
To analyze the behavioral responses of hawkmoth pollinators (Manduca sexta) to variations in floral tube length and limb size.
To determine how floral traits influence pollinator visitation and feeding behavior.

Main Methods:

Interspecific crosses in Petunia to generate F2 generation plants with varied floral tube lengths and limb sizes.
Observational studies on the behavior of the hawkmoth pollinator, Manduca sexta, in response to different floral morphs.
Quantitative analysis of pollinator visitation frequency and feeding duration based on floral morphology.

Main Results:

Plants with larger floral limbs were preferentially visited by Manduca sexta, likely due to increased visibility in low light.
Hawkmoths exhibited an innate preference for shorter floral tubes.
Moths spent equal feeding time on flowers regardless of tube length, suggesting rapid assessment to avoid difficult-to-handle flowers.

Conclusions:

Floral traits like limb size and tube length significantly influence hawkmoth pollinator preference and behavior.
Flower size impacts pollinator attraction, while floral tube length may act as a cue for efficient foraging.
These findings contribute to understanding the co-evolutionary dynamics between plants and their pollinators.