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Related Concept Videos

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.
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...
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.
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.
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...

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Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Creating Objects and Object Categories for Studying Perception and Perceptual Learning
14:38

Creating Objects and Object Categories for Studying Perception and Perceptual Learning

Published on: November 2, 2012

Phenotypic plasticity's impacts on diversification and speciation.

David W Pfennig1, Matthew A Wund, Emilie C Snell-Rood

  • 1Department of Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA. dpfennig@unc.edu

Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|June 19, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Phenotypic plasticity, the ability of organisms to change their traits, can drive the formation of new species. This review explores how this adaptability fuels evolutionary diversification and speciation.

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Last Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Creating Objects and Object Categories for Studying Perception and Perceptual Learning
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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary biology
  • Genetics
  • Ecology

Background:

  • Phenotypic plasticity, where one genotype yields multiple phenotypes due to environmental changes, is widespread.
  • Its precise role in evolutionary processes like diversification and speciation is debated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review theoretical and empirical evidence for phenotypic plasticity's role in evolution.
  • To explore how plasticity facilitates the origin of novel traits, population divergence, and speciation.
  • To identify future research directions in plasticity and evolutionary diversification.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent theoretical advancements.
  • Synthesis of empirical studies supporting plasticity's evolutionary impact.
  • Analysis of plasticity's contribution to adaptive radiation.

Main Results:

  • Plasticity promotes the emergence of novel phenotypes.
  • It drives divergence between populations and species.
  • Plasticity contributes to the formation of new species and adaptive radiations.

Conclusions:

  • Phenotypic plasticity is a significant, often underestimated, driver of evolutionary diversification and speciation.
  • Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms and extent of plasticity's evolutionary influence.