Allopatric speciation is an evolutionary process where new species emerge due to physical separation from the original population. This can result from natural events like mountain or river formation, or human activities such as dam construction. Over time, isolated populations evolve under different selective pressures, leading to reproductive isolation and the emergence of new species. Examples include Darwin's finches and the divergence of Kaibab and Abert's squirrels.
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Allopatric speciation is the process by which a new species arises due to a physical separation from the original population
Natural events
Geographic separation can occur through natural events such as the formation of mountains, rivers, or islands
Human activities
Human activities like the construction of dams or roads can also cause geographic separation
Isolated populations experience different selective pressures, leading to evolutionary changes and potentially resulting in reproductive isolation and the formation of new species
Allopatric speciation involves a sequence of events starting with the division of a species into isolated populations by a physical barrier
Genetic drift
Genetic drift plays a crucial role in the divergence of isolated populations, leading to evolutionary changes
Natural selection
Natural selection also plays a crucial role in the divergence of isolated populations, with each population adapting to its own environment
Over time, the genetic differences between isolated populations may become significant enough to result in reproductive isolation, completing the speciation process
Peripatric speciation occurs when a new population is established by a few individuals at the edge of a larger population's range, leading to rapid genetic change
Vicariant speciation involves the division of a population into two or more large groups by a geographical barrier, leading to speciation as these groups evolve in isolation
Both peripatric and vicariant speciation result in the formation of new species through genetic drift, mutation, and natural selection, but differ in the initial cause of geographic separation
The finches of the Galapagos Islands and the Kaibab squirrel and Abert's squirrel are examples of allopatric speciation in animals
The adaptive radiation of the silversword alliance in Hawaii is an example of allopatric speciation in plants
Allopatric speciation differs from sympatric speciation in its requirement for geographic separation, while sympatric speciation can occur within a single population
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Definition of Allopatric Speciation
Process where new species forms due to physical separation from original population.
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Examples of Natural Separation Events
Formation of mountains, rivers, islands; can lead to species isolation.
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Result of Evolutionary Changes in Isolation
Accumulated changes may lead to reproductive isolation, creating new species.
