Understanding Speciation and Species Concepts: Hybrids, Reproductive Barriers, and Adaptive Radiation.

Question 1

What is speciation?

Accepted Answer

The process by which one species splits into two or more species.

Question 2

What is the biological species concept?

Accepted Answer

Defines species as a group of populations whose members have the potential to interbreed in nature and produce fertile offspring.

Question 3

What are hybrids?

Accepted Answer

Offspring of two clearly distinct species that occasionally interbreed.

Question 4

What is the morphological species concept based on?

Accepted Answer

Observable physical traits

Question 5

What is the ecological species concept focused on?

Accepted Answer

Unique adaptations to particular roles in a biological community

Question 6

What are reproductive barriers?

Accepted Answer

Serve to isolate the gene pools of species and prevent interbreeding

Question 7

What is allopatric speciation?

Accepted Answer

The initial block to gene flow may come from a geographic barrier that isolates a population

Question 8

What is sympatric speciation?

Accepted Answer

Occurs when a new species arises within the same geographic area as its parent species

Question 9

What is adaptive radiation?

Accepted Answer

The evolution of many diverse species from a common ancestor

Question 10

What is reinforcement in speciation?

Accepted Answer

When natural selection strengthens reproductive barriers, reducing the formation of unfit hybrids