Speciation and Species Concepts

These flashcards cover the key concepts related to speciation, including definitions, examples, and different species concepts.

What is the primary cause of speciation?

Speciation occurs when populations of the same species become genetically isolated.

What are the three common species recognition criteria?

1. Biological species concept (BSC) 2. Morphological species concept (MSC) 3. Phylogenetic species concept (PSC)

What is the Biological Species Concept (BSC)?

Species are reproductively isolated, meaning there is no gene flow between populations.

What prevents interbreeding according to the BSC?

Mechanisms that prevent interbreeding can be prezygotic or postzygotic.

What is an example of a prezygotic barrier?

Behavioral isolation, such as female fireflies giving species-specific flash patterns.

What distinguishes the Morphological Species Concept (MSC)?

It uses differences in size, shape, or other traits to distinguish species.

What is the main advantage of the Phylogenetic Species Concept (PSC)?

It is applicable to fossils and is based on synapomorphies.

What is allopatric speciation?

The process of speciation that begins when gene flow is reduced or eliminated due to physical separation.

Why do we need different species concepts?

To recognize species under varying criteria depending on the context.

What happens when two partially divergent populations come into contact again?

Predictable outcomes depend on various circumstances influencing gene flow.