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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.Allopatric SpeciationIn allopatric speciation, gene flow between two populations of the same species is prevented by a geographic barrier, like...
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.
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...
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...
Gene Flow02:39

Gene Flow

Gene flow is the transfer of genes among populations, resulting from either the dispersal of gametes or from the migration of individuals.
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.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 26, 2026

Resurrection of Dormant Daphnia magna: Protocol and Applications
07:37

Resurrection of Dormant Daphnia magna: Protocol and Applications

Published on: January 19, 2018

LABORATORY EXPERIMENTS ON SPECIATION: WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED IN 40 YEARS?

William R Rice1, Ellen E Hostert1

  • 1Biology Board of Studies, University of California, Santa Cruz, California, 95064.

Evolution; International Journal of Organic Evolution
|June 2, 2017
PubMed
Summary

Laboratory experiments support speciation through pleiotropy and genetic hitchhiking, challenging the overemphasis on geographical separation alone. Divergent selection plays a crucial, underappreciated role in speciation.

Keywords:
Allopatric speciationgenetic revolutionsnonallopatric speciationpopulation bottleneckpostzygotic isolationprezygotic isolationreinforcementreproductive isolationspeciation

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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Speciation Research
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Understanding the mechanisms driving the formation of new species is a central question in evolutionary biology.
  • Various models of speciation exist, including allopatric, sympatric, and parapatric models, each with different proposed drivers.
  • Experimental approaches are crucial for testing the validity of these theoretical speciation models under controlled conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To integrate findings from experimental studies that simulate speciation processes in the lab.
  • To evaluate the support for major speciation models based on empirical laboratory evidence.
  • To identify the key genetic and ecological factors that promote or hinder the evolution of reproductive isolation.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review and meta-analysis of laboratory experiments designed to replicate aspects of speciation.
  • Assessment of experimental outcomes in relation to established speciation models (e.g., allopatry, bottleneck, reinforcement, pleiotropy, genetic hitchhiking).
  • Quantification of evidence supporting or refuting specific genetic mechanisms and ecological conditions in experimental speciation.

Main Results:

  • Strong experimental support for the evolution of reproductive isolation driven by pleiotropy and/or genetic hitchhiking.
  • Evidence suggests these mechanisms can operate with or without allopatry (geographical separation).
  • Little to no experimental support was found for the bottleneck and reinforcement models of speciation.

Conclusions:

  • The role of geographical separation in creating complete reproductive isolation (allopatry) may be overemphasized in speciation theory.
  • The contribution of geographical separation to reduced gene flow, coupled with strong, discontinuous divergent selection, is critically important and underappreciated.
  • Experimental evidence highlights the significance of pleiotropic effects and genetic hitchhiking in driving the speciation process.