Speciation Species Forming Over Time
Speciation Objectives
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Compare and contrast forms of speciation, including examples and the role of genetic analysis in tracking speciation.
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Define coevolution and give examples of species that are impacting each other over time, including origins of eukaryotes.
Speciation means “making species.” There are different paths to formation of a new species. This section starts with mechanisms that reproductively isolate populations, setting them on a path to speciation.
This video introduces mechanisms for species formation.
Coevolution
Species travel through time and space together, impacting each other’s fitness. This Anna’s hummingbird and the flowering sage plant have been together for generations. Just as you saw from the predator-prey simulation, interactions are not one-sided, all participants are potentially impacted.
Here, our original gecko has just caught a fly and is retreating with it back into a Dracaena plant, also from Madagascar. The gecko’s fecal material fertilizes the plant, and the plant’s leaves hold water the gecko drinks. Three species are impacting each other: the gecko, fly, and Dracaena. Over time, these species may evolve in part based on these interactions.
This video defines coevolution and provides examples.
The next section explores symbiotic relationships between species.
Check your knowledge. Can you:
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compare and contrast forms of speciation, including examples and the role of genetic analysis in tracking speciation?
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define coevolution and give examples of species that are impacting each other over time, including origins of eukaryotes?
Go back to the Science Knowledge Page
Go forward to the Symbiosis Page
Complexity Lecture Guide Contents
The material from this guide and corresponding lecture is assessed on the weekly quiz.
Back to Evolution
Module 7 Overview
This Guide
Complexity
