Overview
Allopatric speciation is a fundamental concept in evolutionary biology that explains how new species can arise when populations are separated by geographic barriers. This isolation prevents gene flow, allowing populations to evolve independently through mechanisms like natural selection and genetic ...
Key Terms
Example: Allopatric speciation is one way speciation can occur.
Example: Mountains or rivers can cause geographic isolation.
Example: Darwin's finches adapted their beaks to different food sources.
Example: A small population may lose genetic diversity due to genetic drift.
Example: Mutations can lead to new traits that may be beneficial.
Example: The diversification of mammals after the dinosaurs went extinct.
Related Topics
Sympatric Speciation
Speciation that occurs without geographic isolation, often through behavioral or ecological differences.
intermediateAdaptive Radiation
The rapid evolution of diversely adapted species from a common ancestor, often following environmental changes.
advancedConservation Biology
The study of preserving biodiversity and the impact of human activity on species.
intermediateKey Concepts
Geographic IsolationNatural SelectionGenetic DriftSpeciation