1.
Introduction to Speciation
Speciation is the evolutionary process through which new biological species arise. It occurs
when populations of the same species become genetically isolated and evolve
independently over time, leading to the formation of distinct species.
2. Types of Speciation
A. Allopatric Speciation
Occurs when a population is geographically separated (e.g., by mountains, rivers, or
distance).
Gene flow is interrupted, and the populations evolve independently due to natural
selection, mutation, or genetic drift.
Example: Darwin’s finches on the Galápagos Islands.
B. Sympatric Speciation
Happens without geographic separation.
Occurs due to reproductive isolation within the same area, often through behavioral,
ecological, or genetic differences.
Common in plants (e.g., polyploidy) and some animals.
Example: Cichlid fishes in the same African lake evolving into multiple species.
C. Phyletic Speciation (also called anagenesis)
Involves gradual transformation of a single species into a new one over time.
No branching of lineages; the original species is replaced by the new form.
Driven by accumulation of small genetic changes.
Example: Evolution of Homo erectus into Homo sapiens.
D. Divergent Speciation (Divergent Evolution)
One species gives rise to two or more different species.
Usually occurs when populations adapt to different environments, resulting in
distinct traits.
Can be triggered by allopatric or sympatric mechanisms.
Example: Wolves and domestic dogs from a common ancestor.
Aspect Allopatric Sympatric Phyletic (Anagenesis) Divergent
Definition Speciation due to Speciation within the Gradual change of one One species splits into
geographical isolation same area via species into another two or more new
Aspect Allopatric Sympatric Phyletic (Anagenesis) Divergent
reproductive barriers (no branching) species
Genetic mutation, Accumulated
Genetic Isolation Physical barriers (e.g., Accumulated changes
behavioral changes, differences due to
Cause mountains, rivers) over time
ecological niches adaptation
Gene flow is reduced No split — same Gene flow stops
Completely
Gene Flow or absent due to non- population changes between diverging
interrupted
geographic factors over time groups
Lineage Yes (creates 2+ Yes (creates 2+ No (just one species Yes (creates multiple
Branching species) species) transforms) related species)
Different
Same environment Often due to adapting
Environmental environments cause Environment exerts
but ecological niches to different
Role natural selection gradual influence
cause divergence environments
pressures
Mammals (wolves,
Darwin’s finches, Human evolution
Common Cichlid fish, polyploid domestic dog) from a
squirrels on opposite (Homo erectus →
Examples plants common ancestor,
rims of Grand Canyon Homo sapiens)
finches
Does not increase
Species Diversity Increases diversity
Increases diversity Increases diversity diversity (one species
Impact significantly
replaces another)
Can be slow or rapid, Often slow, but faster
Speed of Very gradual over Variable — can be
depending on in plants via
Speciation long time scales gradual or rapid
isolation and pressure polyploidy
Niche adaptation or Key driver —
Key to survival in new Adaptation over time
Adaptation Role sexual selection leads populations diverge to
environments without splitting
to speciation adapt
More common in
Common in animals, Observed in fossils Seen across all life forms
plants, also in
Observed In especially mobile and long evolutionary — major evolutionary
isolated niches in
species timelines pattern
animals
Less common, more Accepted as an
Supported by molecular
Scientific Well-supported and debated, but evolutionary
and morphological
Support widely accepted supported in some mechanism, less
evidence
cases about biodiversity
