speciation

Gene pool

The collection of genes of individuals in a population.

Mutation

A variation that introduces new alleles into the gene pool.

Gene flow

interbreeding populations

Genetic drift

Random changes in allele frequencies due to chance, more pronounced in small populations.

Non-random mating

Mating based on phenotype rather than randomly.

Bottleneck effect

Rapid decrease in population leading to genetic changes.

Founder effect

Establishment of a new population by a few individuals.

Natural selection

Process where certain alleles are favored for reproduction based on environmental pressures.

Sexual selection

Competition among individuals for mates based on traits preferred by the opposite sex.

Speciation

Formation of new species through reproductive isolation.

Reproductive isolation

Prevention of gene flow between populations leading to speciation.

Pre-zygotic isolating mechanisms

Barriers to mating or fertilization before zygote formation.

Post-zygotic isolating mechanisms

Barriers to successful development or reproduction after zygote formation.

Sympatric speciation

Speciation within the same habitat due to isolation mechanisms.

Allopatric speciation

Speciation due to geographic isolation leading to genetic divergence.

Adaptive radiation

Population dispersal to different environments leading to adaptation.

Divergent evolution

Species evolving from a common ancestor becoming distinct.

Convergent evolution

Unrelated species independently evolving similar traits.

Gradualism

Evolution occurring at a slow pace with significant changes over time.

Punctuated equilibrium

Long periods of genetic stability followed by bursts of evolutionary change.