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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

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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...

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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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Transposons make up a significant part of genomes of various organisms. Therefore, it is believed that transposition played a major evolutionary role in speciation by changing genome sizes and modifying gene expression patterns. For example, in bacteria, transposition can lead to conferring antibiotic resistance. Movement of transposable elements within the genetic pool of pathogenic bacteria can aid in transfer of antibiotic-resistant genetic elements. In eukaryotes, transposons can carry out...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 12, 2026

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

Speciation genes in plants.

Loren H Rieseberg¹, Benjamin K Blackman

¹Botany Department, University of British Columbia, 3529-6270 University Blvd, Vancouver, B.C., Canada. lriesebe@interchange.ubc.ca

Annals of Botany

|June 26, 2010

Summary

Speciation genes in plants, responsible for reproductive isolation (RI), are often predictable from barrier phenotypes. Unlike animals, plant speciation genes show polymorphism, suggesting stochastic forces and balancing selection drive RI.

Area of Science:

Evolutionary Biology
Genetics
Plant Science

Background:

Speciation genes drive population divergence and the cessation of gene flow.
Understanding these genes provides insights into ecological, evolutionary, and molecular drivers of speciation.
This review focuses on plant speciation genes and compares them to animal counterparts.

Purpose of the Study:

To review and identify genes contributing to reproductive isolation (RI) in plants.
To compare plant speciation genes with those found in animals.
To investigate the insights gained from studying plant speciation genes.

Main Methods:

Literature review of 41 candidate speciation genes in plants.
Categorization of genes based on the type of reproductive isolation they influence (pre-pollination, post-pollination, hybrid inviability, hybrid sterility).

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Last Updated: Jun 12, 2026

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Identification of frequently implicated gene families and pathways.

Main Results:

Genes involved in the anthocyanin pathway, S-RNase system, disease resistance, and mitochondrial factors are key.
Regulatory mutations (cis and trans) are prominent in pre-pollination RI.
Loss-of-function mutations and copy number variation frequently contribute to RI.

Conclusions:

The genetic basis of RI in plants is often predictable from the reproductive barrier's phenotype.
Plant speciation genes frequently exhibit intraspecific polymorphism, unlike in animals.
Stochastic forces and balancing selection likely play significant roles in plant RI, alongside diversifying selection and genetic conflict.