1. Speciation and Subspecies
Looking at rattlesnakes of the east coast

2. New species
As organisms accumulate more differences between groups, the groups become less and less alike.
This change is called divergence
Divergence will eventually lead to the creation of a new species.

3. Subspecies
As a group of organisms diverge from the original they eventually will become a subspecies.
A subspecies means the two groups are genetically different, but can still breed together.

4. Examples of Speciation
Timber rattlesnake of the east coast are identifiable to their state based on color.
Dark ones…..
New York

5. Examples of Speciation
Medium tone snakes……
Pennsylvania

6. Examples of Speciation
Light tone snakes…
Virginia

7. Examples of Speciation
The darker the snakes the colder the climate.
How did this variation become noticeable ?
What factors drove these changes?

8. Subspecies
Right now, even though there are genetic differences all of the populations of timber rattlesnakes are able to breed if they came in contact with one another.
Therefore they are not considered a subspecies or separate species.

9. Examples of Speciation
If these population continue to change what will happen?
What will be the first step in speciation?

10. Speciation
Speciation is the point at which two groups of individuals are no longer able to breed.
Making them a new species.
What is the time frame for speciation to occur?