Speciation forms new species by splitting a pre-existing species. Isolated gene pools diverge through selection, mutation and genetic drift.
The biological insights of Mendel and Darwin in the 19th century remain important to this day.
Outline the process of speciation.
| a | speciation is the splitting of a species «into two species» |
| b | reproductive isolation/lack of interbreeding |
| c | isolation due to geography/«reproductive» behavior/«reproductive» timing |
| d | polyploidy can cause isolation |
| e | gene pools separated |
| f | differences in/disruptive selection cause traits/gene pools to change/diverge |
| g | gradualism / speciation/changes accumulating over long periods |
| h | punctuated equilibrium / speciation/changes over a short time period |