Speciation Definition
“Speciation is the process of formation of new species from
existing populations.”
What is Speciation?
A species is a group of organisms with similar characteristics
and can interbreed to give fertile offspring. Speciation is an
evolutionary process of the formation of new and distinct
species. The species evolve by genetic modification. The new
species are reproductively isolated from the previous species,
i.e. the new species cannot mate with the old species.
Speciation Causes/ Factors Affecting Speciation-
Speciation occurs as a result of several factors which are:
1. Natural selection
As explained by Charles Darwin, different individuals in a
species might develop specific distinct characteristics
which are advantageous and affect the genetic makeup of
the individual.
Under such conditions, these characteristics will be
conserved, and over time, new species might be formed.
Genetic drift
The process describing random fluctuations in the frequencies of
allele frequencies in populations is known as genetic drift. Genetic
drift eventually leads to the formation of new species by causing a
population of organisms to be genetically distinct from the original
population.
3. Migration
When a certain number of species from a population
migrate from one geographical region to another, the
species might accumulate characteristics which are
different from that of the original population.
Migration usually results in geographical isolation and
ultimately leads to speciation.
Mutations
Over a long period of time, the accumulation of many
small genetic changes in a population occur, these changes
are known as mutations. These mutations, when
preserved from one generation to another, might result in
the formation of new species.
6. Reduction of gene flow
There might be a reduced gene flow over a broad
geographical range where individuals in the far east would
have zero chance of mating with individuals in the far
western end of the range.
Speciation process (how does speciation occur?)
speciation has been observed as a three-stage process:
1. Isolation of populations.
2. Divergence in traits of separated populations (e.g. mating
system or habitat use).
3. Reproductive isolation of populations that maintains
isolation when populations come into contact again
(secondary contact).
Types of Speciation
Allopatric Speciation- When a species is separated into two
groups that are separate and isolated from one another, the
type of speciation is known as allopatric speciation. This type of
speciation occurs if any geographical changes occur.
An example of Allopatric Speciation is Darwin finches which led
to the theory of evolution.
Peripatric Speciation- Peripatric Speciation occurs when a
small group of individuals separate from a larger group and
form new species. In this type of speciation genetic drift plays
an important role.
Parapatric Speciation- When a part of an environment has
been polluted, the type of speciation that occurs is known as
parapatric speciation. Polluted environments include mining
activities that leave waste with high amounts of metal such as
lead and zinc.
Sympatric Speciation- The type of speciation when there are
no physical barriers to prevent any members of a species from
mating with one another. This type of speciation is common in
herbivore insects when a new plant is introduced into a
geographical range of species.
Artificial Speciation- The creation of new species by people is
known as artificial speciation. An example of artificial speciation
can be seen in fruit flies (Drosophilia Melanogaster). Artificial
speciation is also known as artificial selection.
