Speciation

Science

Definition

Speciation is the evolutionary process by which new species arise when populations become reproductively isolated from each other. Geographic barriers (allopatric speciation) or ecological/behavioral differences within the same area (sympatric speciation) can drive this divergence.

Examples

  • Darwin's finches evolving different beak shapes on separate Galápagos islands (allopatric)
  • Cichlid fish in African lakes diversifying into hundreds of species (sympatric and allopatric)
  • The formation of new plant species through polyploidy (gaining extra chromosome sets)

Related Terms

Natural selection Evolution Evidence of evolution Island biogeography

Study This Concept

Practice speciation with free review games in these units:

AP Biology Unit 7: Natural Selection Biology Unit 5: Evolution and Natural Selection