Blog Post Module 11: Reflection Prompt

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Speciation and evolution work together to create patterns that one can observe and understand. The speed of speciation is also a concept that can be studied because of its various components that play into the idea. Speciation in simple terms is the formation of new species in the course of evolution that are unique and distinct. Organisms can adapt and become new species in certain cases and time is a variable we can study here. Organisms can evolve new traits that allow them to thrive better in a specific environment. When looking at how long it takes for new species to form, the answer is not simple. There are contributing factors just like anything with evolution. An intense environmental pressure may increase the rate at which new species evolve because they must adapt quickly. This could be seen in R this week because the toxic waters required the fish to adapt or die. But other factors are also at play here too, sexual selection and gestation periods. An elephant can not procreate as quickly as flies so the time in which it takes to create a new species would be extensively longer. The rate at which they create new generations is a key player. So the speed of speciation varies among different modes of speciation. Each situation is unique and requires different evolutionary components. When analyzing the idea of diverse ways hybridization may impact the evolution of biodiversity, there is also a lot to consider. Hybrid species are sometimes unable to be fit, whether that's because of their genetics or lack of ability to reproduce. There could be mutations in their genes that are not fit for the environment and create problems. It is found that some hybrids with adaptive allelic combinations have interesting ways for species to invade novel habitats in one generation which contributes to biodiversity in many ways.

 Speciation - Wikipedia

Comments

  1. Evolution: Haley JonesNovember 9, 2021 at 12:55 PM

    Hi Madison,
    I like how you compare the complexity of speciation to the complexity of evolution because there are so many contributing factors. I like how you compare gestation times as well becuase this is something that I considered when looking into this topic. Your view of hybrid species is also interesting because the ability to invade a novel habitat as a hybrid would be possibly be a very interesting fitness effect.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lauren LeikerNovember 17, 2021 at 12:40 PM

    Hi Madison, I like your breakdown of speciation and how it works hand-in-hand with evolution, and how there are many contributing factors to both. I also like your point of how there are mutations in hybrid species genes that create problems for the environment. Good job!

    ReplyDelete

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