/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Q24.4-1CC Speciation can occur rapidly bet... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91Ó°ÊÓ

91Ó°ÊÓ

Speciation can occur rapidly between diverging populations, yet the time between speciation events is often more than a million years. Explain this apparent contradiction.

Short Answer

Expert verified

The length of time required for the divergence of reproduction in newly formed species is long. Speciation occurs only after the reproductive divergence. Therefore, speciation begins rapidly between diverging populations, but the formation of new species takes more than a million years.

Step by step solution

01

Meaning of speciation

When unique characters develop in a group of species, the species of different characters separate from the main population, creating new species from the existing population. This phenomenon is called speciation.

02

Events of speciation

Formation of barrier, entry to a new niche, genetic polymorphism, isolation, and formation of distinct species are speciation events. These events take millions of years to take.

For example, in allotropic speciation, the formation of a barrier (geographical barrier such as the formation of the mountain) alone takes millions of years.

The isolated species undergo different selective pressure than the main population. It leads to divergence. Speciation is one of the evolutionary processes, as the force of evolution, such as natural selection, acts gradually on the isolated species.

03

Role of gene pool on speciation

When a group of species isolates due to barriers, the gene pool remains constant. The significant amount of mutation and interspecific reproduction alter the gene pool of the isolated population.

Reportative divergent traits than the parental population occur only after continuous selective pressure, which takes millions of years to occur.

Thus, the time between speciation events takes millions of years due to the constant gene pool. Reproductive divergence will boost the speciation in a rapidly divergent population.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Which of the following factors would not contribute to allopatric speciation?

(A) The separated population is small, and genetic drift occurs.

(B) The isolated population is exposed to different selection pressures than the ancestral population.

(C) Different mutations begin to distinguish the gene pools of the separated populations.

(D) Gene flow between the two populations is extensive.

Calculate the value of the reproductive isolation index if (a) allof the matings within a population were successful, but noneof the matings between populations was successful; (b) salamanders are equally successful in mating with members of their own population and members of another population.

(a) Which species concept(s) could you apply to both asexual and sexual species? (b) Which would be most useful for identifying species in the field? Explain.

Is allopatric speciation more likely to occur on an island close to the mainland or on a more isolated island of the same size? Explain your prediction.

Bird guides once listed the myrtle warbler and Audubon's warbler as distinct species. Recently, these birds have been classified as eastern and western forms of a single species, the yellow-rumped warbler. Which of the following pieces of evidence, if true, would be cause for this reclassification?

(A) The two forms interbreed often in nature, and their offspring survive and reproduce well.

(B) The two forms live in similar habitats and have similar food requirements.

(C) The two forms have many genes in common.

(D) The two forms are very similar in appearance.

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Biology Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.