17.3 The Process of Speciation

Question 1

What types of Isolation lead to the formation of a new species?

Answer 1

When populations become “Reproductively Isolated”, they can evolve into separate species. Reproductive Isolation can develop in a variety of ways including:

1) Behavioral Isolation
2) Geographic Isolation
3) Temporal Isolation

Question 2

What is the current hypothesis about Galapagos Island finch speciation?

Answer 2

Speciation in Galapagos Finches occurred by the founding of a new population (founder effect), geographic isolation, changes in the new population’s gene pool, behavioral isolation, and ecological competition.

Question 3

What is a species?

Answer 3

a population or group of populations whose members can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.

Question 4

What is speciation?

Answer 4

The formation of a new species

Question 5

What is reproductive isolation?

Answer 5

When two populations no longer interbreed to mix gene pools.

Question 6

What is behavioral isolation?

Answer 6

when two populations capable of interbreeding develop differences in courtship rituals or other behaviors.

Question 7

What is geographic isolation?

Answer 7

when two populations capable of interbreeding are separated by physical/geographical barriers such as rivers, mountains, or bodies of water.

Question 8

What is temporal isolation?

Answer 8

when two populations capable of interbreeding reproduce at different time periods