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Speciaton Glossary
Key points
the formation of new species from existing species. The formation of new species is also sometimes called macroevolution.
Prezygotic isolating mechanism

(also called pre-fertilization barriers) either impede mating between species or prevent fertilization of the eggs if individuals from different species attempt to mate. There are five
kinds of prezygotic isolating mechanisms:habitat isolation, mating seasons, "mechanical" isolation, gamete isolation and behavioral isolation
Postzygotic isolating mechanism

In rare cases in nature, the sperm of one species successfully fertilizes an egg of another species and a zygote is produced. There are several postzygotic isolating mechanisms
(post-fertilization barriers) that prevent these hybrid zygotes from developing into viable, fertile individuals. hybrid inviability, hybrid sterility and hybrid "breakdown."
Sympatric speciation
When populations live in the same geographical area and become reproductively isolated, sympatric speciation occurs. In sympatric speciation, factors such as chromosomal
changes (in plants) and non-random mating (in animals) alter gene flow. This type of speciation is far more common in plants than in animals
Allopatric speciation
occurs when a population is split into two or more isolated groups by a geographical barrier. (Allopatric speciation is also called geographical speciation.)
Ecological niche
the ecological role and physical distribution of a species in its environment
Adaptive radiation
the diversification of a common ancestral species into a variety of differently adapted species
Convergent evolution
a pattern of evolution in which similar traits arise because different species have independently adapted to similar environmental conditions
Divergent evolution
a pattern of evolution in which species that were once similar to an ancestral species diverge, or become increasingly distinct
gradualism
a model of evolution that views evolutionary change as slow and steady, before and after a divergence
Punctuated equilibrium
a model of evolution that views evolutionary history as long periods of stasis, or equilibrium, that are interrupted by periods of divergence
Assigned questions
1. What does reproductive isolation mean?It refers to the inability of two species to interbreed and produce fertile offspring
2. Two species produce a hybrid offspring that is infertile. Is reproductive isolation between the two species still maintained? Explain.Reproductive isolation is still maintained because the hybrid offspring
cannot contribute to the gene pool of either parent species.
3. Severe flooding results in a river changing course. Would you expect that a species of mouse that now lives on both sides of the river might eventually become two different species? What about a species of
bird that now lives on both sides of the river? Explain.The species of mouse might eventually become two different species due to geographic isolation, but the bird species may not, as they can
typically fly across the river.
4. One frog species lives only in tree holes, and another lives only in streams. Both live in the same area. Identify the reproductive barrier in this example.Habitat isolation, as one species lives in tree holes
and the other in streams.
5. Explain why sympatric speciation is more common in plants than in animals.Plants can undergo speciation without geographic isolation through mechanisms like polyploidy, which is more
challenging in animals.
6. Why are smaller populations more likely to undergo speciation compared with larger populations?Smaller populations experience genetic drift and mutations more prominently, leading to greater
chances of speciation.
7. List two ways that human activity can affect species and speciation, and explain how.a. Habitat destruction: Alters ecosystems and can lead to isolation or extinction. b. Introduction of non-native
species: Disrupts existing ecological balances and can lead to competition or hybridization.
8. The Greater Antilles are a group of islands in theCaribbean, which include Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico. Each island is home to many lizard species that look very similar. DNA
analysis shows that the similar-looking lizards from different islands are not alike genetically. Explain this.Despite similar appearances, genetic differences suggest separate evolutionary paths,
possibly due to geographic isolation on different islands.
9. How does adaptive radiation explain the speciation of the red crossbill?Red crossbills diversified into different beak shapes to exploit various coniferous tree cones, leading to speciation.
10. Hedgehogs are porcupine-like rodents that are native to Europe, Asia, and Africa. Echidnas are anteaters native to Australia. Both have spiny skins. Is this an example of divergent evolution? Explain.No, it's
not an example of divergent evolution as they evolved independently in different continents; it's convergent evolution due to similar environmental pressures.
Extension
If mass extinction events eliminate most of the species alive at a given time in Earth’s history, how can biodiversity increase, over time, after such events? Mass extinctions create ecological opportunities
for new species to evolve and fill vacant niches, leading to increased biodiversity over time.
Adaptive radiation often occurs on islands. Would you expect to find more adaptive radiation on islands that are remote from the mainland, like small Pacific islands, or islands that are close to the mainland,
like Vancouver Island? Explain your answer. Remote islands are more likely to experience greater adaptive radiation due to reduced competition and fewer existing species compared to islands
close to the mainland.

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Speciaton Glossary

Prezygotic isolating mechanism

Postzygotic isolating mechanism

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