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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.
Speciation Rates01:07

Speciation Rates

Overview
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.
Symbiosis00:58

Symbiosis

Symbiotic relationships are long-term, close interactions between individuals of different species that affect the distribution and abundance of those species. When a relationship is beneficial to both species, this is called mutualism. When the relationship is beneficial to one species but neither beneficial nor harmful to the other species, this is called commensalism. When one organism is harmed to benefit another, the relationship is known as parasitism. These types of relationships often...
What is a Species?01:17

What is a Species?

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Microbial Interactions: Mutualism01:25

Microbial Interactions: Mutualism

Mutualism is a symbiotic interaction in which all participating organisms benefit. These relationships can be obligate or facultative and are fundamental to ecosystem functions across diverse biological systems.Plant–Fungi MutualismOne well-known example is the association between plant roots and mycorrhizal fungi, such as Rhizophagus species. The fungal hyphae penetrate the root hairs and the epidermis, forming an extensive hyphal network that establishes a symbiotic association. Through this...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 22, 2026

Determination of the Mating Efficiency of Haploids in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
05:39

Determination of the Mating Efficiency of Haploids in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Published on: December 2, 2022

Speciation by symbiosis.

Robert M Brucker1, Seth R Bordenstein

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA.

Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|May 1, 2012
PubMed
Summary

The microbiota, or microbes living within organisms, are proposed as a third genetic factor driving species formation. This review examines historical and current evidence for microbe-assisted speciation in eukaryotes.

Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Microbial Ecology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Darwin's theory of evolution faced challenges explaining species divergence.
  • Molecular genetics identified nuclear genes and organelles as key to speciation.
  • The role of microorganisms in evolution remains underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the microbiota as a third genetic component influencing speciation.
  • To review historical perspectives on microbe-assisted speciation.
  • To integrate microbial influence into existing speciation models.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of historical and contemporary research.
  • Analysis of fundamental observations supporting microbial roles in speciation.

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Last Updated: May 22, 2026

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Determination of the Mating Efficiency of Haploids in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

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  • Synthesis of exemplar studies on microbe-assisted speciation.

    • Main Results:

    • Historical concepts (Ivan Wallin) proposed bacterial roles in speciation.
    • Three key observations support the significance of microbes in eukaryotic speciation.
    • Exemplar studies demonstrate microbe-assisted speciation across diverse taxa.

    Conclusions:

    • The microbiota represents a crucial, yet often overlooked, genetic factor in speciation.
    • Incorporating microbial dynamics offers a more comprehensive understanding of species formation.
    • Future research should further elucidate the mechanisms of microbe-assisted speciation.