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Related Concept Videos

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.
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...
Limits to Natural Selection01:38

Limits to Natural Selection

Organisms that are well-adapted to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. However, natural selection does not lead to perfectly adapted organisms. Several factors constrain natural selection.For one, natural selection can only act upon existing genetic variation. Hypothetically, redtusks may enhance elephant survival by deterring ivory-seeking poachers. However, if there are no gene variants—or alleles—for redtusks, natural selection cannot increase the prevalence of...
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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...
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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Species from Darwin onward.

Anouk Barberousse1, Sarah Samadi

  • 1Institute of History and Phylosophy of Sciences and Technics UMR 8590, National Center for Scientific Research, University Paris I, ENS, France.

Integrative Zoology
|March 12, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The species problem, a long-standing debate in biology, finds a potential solution by anchoring the species concept to evolutionary theory. Darwin's indirect contributions offer a framework for defining and delimiting species.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Taxonomy
  • Philosophy of Science

Background:

  • The species problem, concerning the definition and recognition of species, lacks a universal consensus.
  • De Queiroz (1998) distinguished between species definition and species recognition criteria, a key step toward resolution.
  • Historical debates on species concepts predate the 20th century, with Darwin's work offering indirect insights.

Observation:

  • Darwin's theory of evolution, particularly as presented in "Origin of Species," implicitly addresses the species problem.
  • Reconstructing Darwin's views reveals a conception of species intrinsically linked to evolutionary processes.
  • This historical perspective illuminates 18th and 19th-century species debates.

Findings:

  • Darwin's theoretical framework enables a definition of species grounded in evolutionary theory.
  • An analysis of Darwin's implicit species concept provides a novel perspective on historical and contemporary debates.
  • The study reconstructs Darwin's views and demonstrates their relevance to modern species delimitation.

Implications:

  • Anchoring the species concept to evolutionary theory offers a path to resolving the long-standing species problem.
  • Understanding Darwin's implicit views can refine contemporary approaches to species delimitation and classification.
  • This work bridges historical perspectives with modern biological understanding of species diversity.