Speciation (CCEA)
Introduction
Selection pressures
Speciation
Allopatric speciation
Sympatric speciation
Introduction
What is at the heart of new species formation? It all starts with a single population of a species which for whatever reason (off-spec: genetic bottlenecks, founder effect, etc.) ends up being split geographically to the point where no interbreeding occurs for a certain length of time.
Selection pressures
Given that the two habitats are different, the individuals in each population will adapt differently to counteract different selection pressures. Say for example the ants in the forest experience a warmer and more nutrient-rich surrounding compared to the emigrated ants on a nearby, although disconnected, beach.
Speciation
The adaptations acquired by both populations over a long time will get increasingly disparate. When these pass a threshold, the two populations can no longer interbreed, even if the opportunity were giving (due to excessive genetic difference). They have become two separate species! this Process is called Speciation.
