The Origin of Species

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to speciation as discussed in the lecture on 'The Origin of Species.'

Allopatric Speciation

The evolution of new species after populations have been separated geographically, preventing gene flow between them.

Sympatric Speciation

The evolution of new species within a single, physically connected geographic area that still has extensive gene flow.

Cryptic Species

Lineages that are morphologically similar but are genetically distinct, often diverging from ancestral populations without distinguishable features.

Reproductive Isolation

A mechanism that prevents interbreeding between different species or populations, which is crucial for the process of speciation.

Ecological Speciation

The evolution of reproductive barriers between populations by adaptation to different environments or ecological niches.

Genetic Drift

Random changes in allele frequencies within a population, which can lead to significant evolutionary changes over time.

Disruptive Selection

A type of natural selection that favors individuals at both extremes of the phenotypic range, leading to speciation.

Vicariance

The geographic separation of a population, typically by a physical barrier, leading to speciation.

Hybridization

The interbreeding of two distinct species or populations that can lead to the production of hybrids.

Natural Selection

The process through which organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.