Sources of Diversity: Speciation

This set of flashcards covers the major concepts related to speciation, focusing on types of speciation, barriers to reproduction, and key examples.

Speciation

The process through which new distinct species evolve from existing species.

Allopatric Speciation

A form of speciation that occurs when populations are geographically isolated from each other.

Sympatric Speciation

A form of speciation that occurs when populations become reproductively isolated without geographical separation.

Geographic Barriers

Physical barriers, such as mountains or rivers, that prevent populations from interbreeding.

Reproductive Barriers

Biological features that prevent species from mating and producing viable offspring.

Prezygotic Barriers

Obstacles that prevent mating or fertilization between species before the formation of a zygote.

Postzygotic Barriers

Factors that prevent hybrid zygotes from developing into viable, fertile adults.

Polyploidy

The condition of having more than two complete sets of chromosomes, often leading to speciation in plants.

Temporal Isolation

A prezygotic barrier where species breed at different times.

Behavioral Isolation

A prezygotic barrier that occurs when two species have different mating rituals or behaviors.

Mechanical Isolation

A prezygotic barrier where differences in reproductive organs prevent mating.

Gametic Isolation

A prezygotic barrier where fertilization is prevented due to incompatibility of gametes.

Drosophila pseudoobscura

A species of fruit fly used in studies of speciation and mating preference.

Reproductive Isolation

The separation of species or populations so that they cannot interbreed and produce fertile offspring.