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Related Concept Videos

Speciation Rates01:07

Speciation Rates

Overview
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.
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.
Natural Selection and Adaptation01:15

Natural Selection and Adaptation

Natural selection, a fundamental concept in evolutionary biology, is the mechanism by which evolution is driven, favoring organisms that are best adapted to their environments. This process enhances their chances of survival and reproduction. Adaptation, a key outcome of this process, involves genetic modifications that optimize an organism's functionality under specific environmental challenges, such as extreme cold or thinner air at high altitudes.
Beyond physical adaptations, psychological...
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.
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype02:27

Background and Environment Affect Phenotype

Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s phenotype.
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 26, 2026

Field-Based Thermal Physiology Assay: Cold Shock Recovery under Ambient Conditions
07:54

Field-Based Thermal Physiology Assay: Cold Shock Recovery under Ambient Conditions

Published on: March 9, 2021

Thermal adaptation and ecological speciation.

I Keller1, O Seehausen

  • 1Department of Fish Ecology and Evolution, EAWAG Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Center of Ecology, Evolution and Biochemistry, Seestrasse 79, CH-6047 Kastanienbaum, Switzerland. irene.keller@eawag.ch

Molecular Ecology
|December 21, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Divergent adaptation to different thermal habitats can drive ecological speciation, leading to reproductive isolation in animals and plants. Further research is needed to understand speciation processes along thermal gradients.

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Ecology
  • Speciation Research

Background:

  • Ecological speciation arises from adaptations to different environments.
  • Previous studies often focus on adaptation to biotic resources.
  • The role of thermal adaptation in speciation requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence for ecological speciation driven by adaptation to thermal habitats.
  • To assess the prevalence and importance of thermal adaptation in natural speciation processes.
  • To identify knowledge gaps in understanding thermal speciation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of animal and plant systems exhibiting divergent thermal adaptation.
  • Analysis of reproductive isolation mechanisms in populations along thermal gradients.
  • Synthesis of evidence for ecological speciation via thermal adaptation.

Main Results:

  • Identified 16 systems where thermal adaptation may cause reproductive isolation.
  • Divergent selection in thermal environments can maintain distinct populations.
  • Extrinsic selection against maladapted genotypes and other barriers contribute to isolation.

Conclusions:

  • Adaptation to thermal habitats is a plausible driver of ecological speciation.
  • Strong divergent selection can maintain population differentiation.
  • More research is needed on speciation along thermal gradients and comprehensive barrier studies.