Extinction and Speciation

Question 1

Why do species become extinct? 6 reasons.

Answer 1

• The environment changes too quickly (their habitat is destroyed).
• A new predator kills them all.
• A new disease kills them all.
• A new species competes with them for food and they lose.
• Catastrophic event happens (Volcano kills dinos)
• New species develops (Speciation).

Question 2

What is a species?

Answer 2

A group of similar organisms that can reproduce to give fertile offspring.

Question 3

What is speciation?

Answer 3

Speciation is the development of a new species.

Question 4

When does speciation occur?

Answer 4

Speciation occurs when populations of the same species become so different that they can no longer breed to produce fertile offspring.

Question 5

Steps of Speciation?

Answer 5

1) Mutation in species leads to
2) Variation in species
3) Geographical Isolationism (physical barrier caused by a flood maybe) causes some of the species to become separated from the rest of the species
4) Those who have the advantageous mutation
5) Reproduce and pass on their
6) Genes to their offspring and
7) This is Speciation

Question 6

Because the environments of the separated populations of the species are different, what happens?

Answer 6

Natural selection occurs. Different climates cause different mutations in the separated populations. The alleles that control the beneficial characteristics are more likely to pass on their genes.

Question 7

What happens eventually as a result of speciation?

Answer 7

Enough change occurs between the separated populations for them to be unable to mate and form fertile offspring.