Ecological Speciation

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What is speciation?

Speciation is an evolutionary process that leads to the formation of a new species.

What is ecological speciation?

Ecological speciation is the process of forming a new species due to ecological factors.

How does natural selection contribute to speciation?

Natural selection plays a role in speciation by favoring individuals with traits that are beneficial for survival and reproduction.

What are the two types of speciation?

The two types of speciation are allopatric speciation and sympatric speciation. Signup and view all the answers

How does allopatric speciation occur?

Allopatric speciation occurs when a population becomes reproductively isolated from the parent population due to a geographical event, such as the formation of a mountain range. Signup and view all the answers

How does sympatric speciation occur?

Sympatric speciation occurs when there is no physical separation in the population, but selective pressures cause a divide between the organisms, preventing them from producing fertile offspring when they mate. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two types of ecological speciation?

Allopatric and sympatric speciation Signup and view all the answers

What is reinforcement and how does it contribute to speciation?

Reinforcement is a process that drives speciation by strengthening barriers preventing populations from mating and producing fertile offspring Signup and view all the answers

Give an example of reinforcement in action.

The bellied-toads in Europe Signup and view all the answers

What is sexual selection and how does it contribute to speciation?

Sexual selection refers to the choices individuals make to mate based on physical traits, which can lead to speciation Signup and view all the answers

What are the steps of ecological speciation?

Species become isolated, new traits emerge, natural selection favors favorable traits, new population can no longer interbreed with parent population Signup and view all the answers

What is speciation and how does it occur?

Speciation is the formation of a new species based on ecological changes, which lead to reproductive isolation Signup and view all the answers

What are some examples of courtship displays or traits that males may use to attract females?

Blue-footed booby dance, brighter colors Signup and view all the answers

What can happen to populations if they become geographically separated?

They may evolve to have different traits Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the preference of different traits leading to speciation?

Sexual selection Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of sexual selection in widowbirds?

Male widowbirds with longer tails are chosen by females Signup and view all the answers

How do male blue-footed boobies attract females during mating season?

By performing a special mating dance and showing off their blue feet Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of ecological speciation in frogs?

Geographically isolated frog populations develop new traits and are unable to breed with the original population Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of ecological speciation in antelope squirrels?

Geographically isolated antelope squirrel populations develop different physical characteristics and become separate species Signup and view all the answers