Think of speciation as a bit like a band breaking up. One band (species) becomes two, or more! This process is when a species splits into two or more different species.
So, how does a "band" break up in the world of species? Well, it's through reproductive isolation and differential selection.
Reproductive isolation 🏝️
Let's start with Reproductive Isolation. It's like a romance novel where the lovers can't be together anymore.
Species are usually all about mixing genes through interbreeding, but speciation is the complete opposite - it requires separation!
Imagine a school dance (interbreeding) where everyone gets to mingle. If we want speciation, it's like creating a wall that divides the dance floor, preventing gene flow. Suddenly, the dancers (genes) on either side can't mix anymore.
Picture the dance floor like a gene pool - a big, diverse party of different genes.
Geographical separation is like a literal wall in our dance floor analogy. Just like a huge mountain, a wide river, or an ocean could split species into separate populations, and prevent them from 'dancing' together.
Unlock the Full Content!
Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology HL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟
Biology HL
Theme A - Unity & diversity
Unlocking Speciation Role of Isolation & Selection
Think of speciation as a bit like a band breaking up. One band (species) becomes two, or more! This process is when a species splits into two or more different species.
So, how does a "band" break up in the world of species? Well, it's through reproductive isolation and differential selection.
Reproductive isolation 🏝️
Let's start with Reproductive Isolation. It's like a romance novel where the lovers can't be together anymore.
Species are usually all about mixing genes through interbreeding, but speciation is the complete opposite - it requires separation!
Imagine a school dance (interbreeding) where everyone gets to mingle. If we want speciation, it's like creating a wall that divides the dance floor, preventing gene flow. Suddenly, the dancers (genes) on either side can't mix anymore.
Picture the dance floor like a gene pool - a big, diverse party of different genes.
Geographical separation is like a literal wall in our dance floor analogy. Just like a huge mountain, a wide river, or an ocean could split species into separate populations, and prevent them from 'dancing' together.
Unlock the Full Content!
Dive deeper and gain exclusive access to premium files of Biology HL. Subscribe now and get closer to that 45 🌟