horse donkey Speciation mule
Speciation Defined: evolution of a new species Species: group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring Factors that lead to evolution Natural Selection Gene flow Mutations Sexual selection Genetic drift
Gene Flow Defined: Movement of alleles from 1 population to another Increases variations in a population Keeps differing populations similar If gene flow prevented No variations exchanged Populations isolated Organisms adapt to their own environment
Genetic Drift Defined: Changes in gene pool due to chance (not natural selection) More likely in smaller populations Ex: Forest fire destroys 90% of a forest Survival unrelated to adaptations Pre-forest fire (left picture): Blue is more advantageous Post-forest fire (right picture): Due to more red survivors, red has the advantage to reproduce in this new environment
Geographic Isolation Mountains, rivers, canyons, oceans may separate a population Natural selection allows favorable organisms to survive in different environments Each population adapts to its isolated environment Because isolated, no gene flow
Kaibab Squirrel (Grand Canyon)
Founder Effect: 14 Species of Galapagos Finches B B A D D C C
Behavioral Isolation Although not geographically separated, reproduction is prevented 1) Different mating rituals 2) Use of pheromones No gene flow: differing populations unable to reproduce
Temporal Isolation Although not geographically separated, reproduction is prevented 1) Mate at different seasons 2) Some nocturnal No gene flow: differing populations unable to reproduce
End Result: Reproductive Isolation Created as a result of behavioral, geographical, & temporal isolation No mating between populations (no gene flow) Two groups unable to reproduce Sex organs don’t match, rituals don’t attract, physically separated Species: group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring
Quick Review New species are created (speciation) when populations become isolated A changing or new environment greatly affects natural selection I love the Far Side!