BIOL - Lecture 4

Question 1

Speciation

Answer 1

From microevolution to macroevolution

Question 2

What is a species

Answer 2

Seems like a simple concept but is difficult to define.

Question 3

Are species distinct entities?

Answer 3

YES

There are different “kinds” of organisms but they can be difficult to define.

Question 4

How to define a species

Answer 4

Biological species concept - Members of a group of populations with the potential to interbreed successfully in nature and produce viable offspring (that can also reproduce)

Criterion: potential to interbreed and create viable (non-sterile) offspring

Strength: speciation occurs due to reproductive Isolation

Weakness: not applicable to fossils, extinct organisms and asexual organisms.

Typically there is no gene flow between species.