Speciation

• Allopatric Speciation


  The process of speciation that occurs when a population is divided by a physical barrier, leading to independent evolution and eventual reproductive isolation
• Geographic Isolation


  • A population is divided by a physical barrier (e.g., mountains, rivers)
• Independent Evolution


  • Isolated populations undergo genetic divergence due to mutation, natural selection, and genetic drift
• Reproductive Isolation


  • Over time, genetic differences accumulate, leading to reproductive isolation even if the populations come into contact again
• Sympatric Speciation


  The process of speciation that occurs within a single geographic area, without geographic isolation
• No Geographic Isolation


  • Speciation occurs within a single geographic area
• Genetic Divergence


  • Can result from factors like polyploidy (in plants), sexual selection, or ecological niches
• Reproductive Isolation


  • New species form as genetic divergence leads to reproductive barriers within the same environment