Concepts of Speciation and Reproductive Isolation

Species / biological species concept

A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring in nature.

Temporal isolation

A type of reproductive isolation where two species reproduce at different times.

Geographic isolation

Physical separation of members of a population, which can lead to the formation of new species.

Behavioral Isolation

Reproductive isolation due to differences in mating behaviors or courtship rituals.

Pre-zygotic barriers

Reproductive barriers that occur before fertilization, preventing mating or fertilization.

Post-zygotic barriers

Reproductive barriers that occur after fertilization, such as hybrid infertility or inviability.

Speciation

The process by which new species arise from existing species.

Cladogram

A diagram that shows evolutionary relationships among organisms based on shared traits.

Phylogenetic tree

A branching diagram that represents evolutionary relationships based on genetic or physical characteristics.

Taxonomy

The science of classifying organisms into groups based on similarities and differences.

Scientific name

The two-part Latin name given to an organism, consisting of the genus and species.

Binomial nomenclature

The system of naming organisms using two names: the genus name and the species name.