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Related Concept Videos

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.
Fixed Action Patterns01:06

Fixed Action Patterns

A fixed action pattern (FAP) is a specific, hard-wired sequence of behaviors that occurs in response to an external stimulus, called a sign stimulus. The behavior is “fixed” because it is essentially unchangeable—proceeding similarly across individuals of a species every time it occurs.
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...
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...
Convergent Evolution01:54

Convergent Evolution

Evolution shapes the features of organisms over time, ensuring that they are suited for the environments in which they live. Sometimes, selection pressure leads to the rise of similar but unrelated adaptations in organisms with no recent common ancestors, a process known as convergent evolution.The structures that arise from convergent evolution are called analogous structures. They are similar in function even if they are dissimilar in structure. Further, structures can be analogous while also...
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...

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Microinjection for Transgenesis and Genome Editing in Threespine Sticklebacks
08:51

Microinjection for Transgenesis and Genome Editing in Threespine Sticklebacks

Published on: May 13, 2016

Along the speciation continuum in sticklebacks.

A P Hendry1, D I Bolnick, D Berner

  • 1Redpath Museum & Department of Biology, McGill University, 859 Sherbrooke St. W., Montréal, Québec, H3A 2K6 Canada. andrew.hendry@mcgill.ca

Journal of Fish Biology
|August 27, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Speciation progresses through stages, from continuous variation to complete reproductive isolation. Stickleback research shows how selection, adaptation, and geography drive these transitions.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Speciation Research
  • Population Genetics

Background:

  • Speciation is often viewed as a continuum of reproductive isolation.
  • Populations exist across various states, from panmixia to complete isolation.
  • Stickleback fish (Gasterosteidae) serve as a model system for studying speciation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the factors influencing transitions along the speciation continuum.
  • To understand the interplay of selection, adaptation, mutation, and geography in speciation.
  • To examine the mechanisms driving different states of reproductive isolation in sticklebacks.

Main Methods:

  • Comparative analysis of stickleback populations across different isolation states.
  • Investigation of ecological and geographical factors (e.g., parapatry, allopatry).
  • Examination of genetic and chromosomal factors associated with reproductive isolation.

Main Results:

  • Most stickleback populations exhibit continuous variation (State 1), with some showing disruptive selection.
  • Transitions to partial isolation (State 2) often involve divergent selection and geographic separation.
  • Strong isolation (State 3) can arise from secondary contact or continued divergence.
  • Complete isolation (State 4) is linked to chromosomal rearrangements and genetic incompatibilities.

Conclusions:

  • Stickleback speciation involves complex interactions between selection, adaptation, mutation, and geography.
  • The speciation process is dynamic, with populations potentially moving back and forth along the continuum.
  • Reproductive isolation evolves through a combination of ecological, geographical, and genetic factors.