Speciation is the formation of a new species

Speciation …is the formation of a new species as a result of gradual changes within a population. 3 events lead to speciation: separation, adaptation and division.

1. Separation • Part of a population becomes separated from the rest. • They may be separated by a Geographical isolation like a canyon, river, a mountain range, or being on an island.

Other kinds of separation are… • Ecological isolation – Species are in the same area but live in different habitats. • Temporal isolation – Species are in same area but are active at different times of the day or reproduce in different seasons.

2. Adaptation • After the groups are separated, each group continues to be affected by their environment: –Different traits can be favorable or unfavorable in different environments. –Over many generations, different traits may spread through each population.

3. Division • The 2 separated populations can become very different from each other. • With time the members of the 2 populations may be unable to interbreed successfully. http: //www. floridapanthernet. org/index. php/handbook/history/range_of_the_florida_panther/ http: //news. discovery. com/big-cats/

Fig. 23. 6 Four species of leopard frogs: differ in their mating calls.

These squirrels live on opposite sides of the Grand Canyon.

The Channel Island Fox The California Grey Fox